Can You Get a Fourth Stimulus Check? What You Should Know

During the COVID-19 pandemic, government relief payments served as critical financial assistance for millions of Americans. As people continue to navigate economic challenges, many are wondering whether a fourth stimulus check might be coming. Here’s what you need to understand about the current state of federal and state relief programs.

Where Your Best Chances Are: State-Level Payment Programs

Your most realistic opportunity for receiving additional government payment comes from your state, not the federal government. Nearly half of all U.S. states have already issued relief payments or have plans to do so. These state-level programs operate under different eligibility requirements depending on your location, so contacting your local officials can help you determine if you qualify for any available assistance.

Federal Obstacles to a Fourth Stimulus Check

Don’t expect another payment from Congress in the near term. The current legislative environment makes it unlikely that another broad-based federal stimulus check will be authorized. Previous relief funding, such as what was provided through the American Rescue Plan Act, required special legislative procedures to pass. Without sufficient bipartisan support and facing concerns about inflation, lawmakers are reluctant to introduce additional money into the economy through another round of universal payments.

Economic Realities Shaping Policy Decisions

Even if Congress changes composition, the economic climate makes another fourth stimulus check unlikely. Unlike the pandemic period when widespread lockdowns necessitated rapid relief, today’s economy operates differently. The primary concern among many policymakers is inflation management rather than economic shutdown. Pumping additional money into the economy without clear economic necessity would likely face significant opposition from lawmakers across the spectrum.

Targeted Relief: Expanded Tax Credits for Parents

While broad stimulus payments face obstacles, there is bipartisan momentum behind targeted assistance. The American Rescue Plan Act expanded benefits specifically for families through the Child Tax Credit program. Parents became eligible for up to $3,600 per child under age 6 and $3,000 for children aged 6 to 17. Although Republicans and Democrats disagree on the exact approach, both parties have shown interest in enhancing tax credits for families, making this a more viable path for federal relief than universal stimulus checks.

Don’t Forget About Previous Payments You May Be Owed

One often-overlooked opportunity involves stimulus payments from earlier rounds. The relief payments were structured as advances on a tax credit, meaning you can claim any unclaimed amounts when you file your tax return. If you didn’t file a 2020 or 2021 return and should have, you can still submit one now. Even though filing deadlines have passed, you won’t face late penalties if you didn’t owe taxes originally. This represents a real chance to recover money you may have been entitled to from prior relief programs.

Understanding these key points should help clarify whether you might receive additional payments from state governments or through other existing programs, and whether you have unclaimed funds from previous government assistance.