No, You're Not Getting Another Stimulus Check in October
Social media says you're getting $1,390. Or maybe $1,702. Or $2,000. It doesn’t matter because it's all fake. There's no fourth stimulus check coming, despite what your friend shared on Facebook.
The IRS keeps warning people about these scams, but apparently nobody listens. There has been zero confirmation from Congress or the IRS about new stimulus payments. If you see posts about stimulus checks, it's either misinformation or someone trying to steal your personal information.
What's Actually Happening
Some states are sending inflation relief checks. New Jersey's doing ANCHOR property tax payments. But these aren't federal stimulus checks, and most people don't qualify anyway.
Missouri Senator Josh Hawley proposed something called the American Worker Rebate Act that would send $600 to $2,400 to families. It hasn't passed Congress. It probably won't. Filing bills and passing bills are very different things.
The Trump Tariff Thing
Trump floated using tariff revenue for rebate checks. He also mentioned a "DOGE dividend" - taking 20% of whatever Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency saves and giving it to taxpayers. He said this in February at a Miami summit. We haven't heard about it since.
Bottom line: these are ideas, not plans. There's no legislation, no timeline, no details. No guarantees.
The Real Checks Some People Might Get
New Jersey ANCHOR payments: Up to $1,750 for homeowners 65+, less for everyone else. You have to apply. Deadline's October 31.
State inflation checks: New York sent $200 to individuals making under $75,000. Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado did similar programs. Most are already done.
Your tax refund: If you're waiting on your regular tax refund, check "Where's My Refund" on the IRS website. Takes about 21 days for direct deposit, 6-8 weeks for paper checks.
The Old Stimulus Deadlines You Missed
Remember those three COVID stimulus checks? The deadline to claim the third one ($1,400) was April 15, 2025. If you didn't file by then, that money's gone. No extensions, no appeals. The Treasury keeps it.
The first two stimulus checks? Those deadlines passed even earlier. If you didn't get them, you're not getting them now.
How to Not Get Scammed
The IRS doesn't text you about refunds. They don't call demanding immediate payment. They don't email about surprise stimulus checks.
Anyone pressuring you for personal information about a stimulus payment is scamming you. The government already knows who you are - they don't need you to "verify" anything to send money.
If there ever is another stimulus check, you'll hear about it from actual news sources, not random social media posts with lots of exclamation points.
Your Actual Options for Money
Instead of waiting for phantom stimulus checks:
File your taxes properly to get your refund
Check if your state has any remaining relief programs
Look into local assistance programs if you need help
Stop believing everything on social media
The Bottom Line
You're not getting a surprise stimulus check in October. Or November. Or any other month unless Congress passes actual legislation, which they haven't.
Those posts about $1,390 payments? Fake. The ones about $2,000 checks? Also fake. That text from "the IRS" about your payment? Definitely fake and probably from individuals who are trying to steal your identity.
Want to track something real? Use the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool for your actual tax refund. Check your state's tax website for legitimate state programs. Everything else is wishful thinking or scams.
Stop sharing those stimulus check posts. You're just helping scammers find more victims.
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