A Fourth Stimulus Check: Is a $1,390 Payment Coming in 2025? Here's the Truth.

With rumors swirling online, we break down the facts from the IRS, explain the proposals from Trump and Congress, and tell you what money you can actually claim right now.

As the cost of living continues to rise, the question on everyone's mind is a simple one: will there be more financial help from the government? Recently, rumors of a new, fourth stimulus check—specifically for $1,390—have been spreading across social media, giving hope to many households.

But is there any truth to these claims? We've dug into the official statements and current proposals to give you the real story.

The Official Word on a Fourth Stimulus Check

Let's get straight to the point. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the answer is no. There are currently no plans for a fourth federal stimulus check.

An IRS spokesperson recently clarified that "there is no recovery rebate credit for taxpayers to claim," confirming that no new legislation for a broad-based payment has been passed by Congress.

So, where did the confusion come from? Many officials believe the rumors are linked to the Recovery Rebate Credit for the 2021 tax year. This was a way for people who missed the third stimulus payment ($1,400) to claim it on their tax return. However, the deadline to file for that credit passed on April 15, 2025. All three rounds of pandemic-era stimulus payments are now officially concluded.

New Proposals: Alternatives to a Fourth Stimulus Check

While a universal check isn't on the table, the idea of giving money back to taxpayers hasn't disappeared. Several high-profile proposals are keeping the conversation alive:

1. The "DOGE Dividend" Idea: This concept, supported in theory by President Trump and Elon Musk, suggests that if a "Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)" could cut government waste, a portion of those savings could be returned to taxpayers. This could result in a hypothetical payment of around $5,000 per household. It's an ambitious idea, but it remains just that—an idea, not a formal plan.
2. The American Worker Rebate Act: A more concrete proposal was introduced by Republican Senator Josh Hawley. This bill would use revenue from tariffs to issue rebates to eligible citizens. The proposed payments would be at least $600 per individual and would phase out for higher earners. You can view the bill's official status on the American Worker Rebate Act page on Congress.gov.

These proposals are part of wider economic discussions about inflation, tariffs, and new fiscal policies, but they do not guarantee a check in your bank account anytime soon.

No Fourth Stimulus Check? Check Your Tax Refund Status Instead

While you wait to see how those political proposals unfold, there's another source of money you might be waiting for: your annual tax refund. If you've filed your taxes and are expecting a payment, you don't have to guess when it will arrive.

You can use the official "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS.gov website. You'll need three pieces of information:

• Your Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
• Your tax filing status
• The exact refund amount shown on your return

The tool will tell you if your return has been received, if your refund has been approved, or when it has been sent.

Financial Assistance Beyond a Fourth Stimulus Check

Although large-scale stimulus payments are not happening, targeted government support programs are still available. These programs are often designed to help with specific costs that place the biggest burden on household budgets.

For example, it's always worth checking for local and federal initiatives that might help you get free internet in 2025 or reduce other utility expenses. Beyond utilities, one of the biggest costs for any family is housing. Exploring resources like HUD housing grants for 2025 could provide significant relief for eligible families. For a comprehensive list of federal programs, the official benefits portal at USA.gov is an excellent starting point.

In summary, a fourth stimulus check is not on the horizon. Instead, focus on tracking your tax refund and exploring existing, targeted assistance programs that can provide real financial relief where you need it most.