There is good news for a lot of Americans in May 2025. Even if federal stimulus checks are no longer available, a number of states still provide financial aid that can significantly improve the lives of low-income households.
These state initiatives aim to relieve particular pressures, such as housing expenses, daycare expenses for small children, and the impact of living expenses in more impoverished areas.
We go over the four states with active payments this month and explain how to access each one on this list.
California: $725 per month
When it comes to providing families with young children with direct assistance, California has one of the busiest systems in the nation.
Households who fulfill specific requirements receive $725 monthly payments through the Sacramento Family First program.
The objective is to reduce the daily costs for parents of small children, who are going through a very expensive phase of life.
Depending on the zip code, this program is applicable not just in Sacramento but also in particular parts of Fresno, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles.
To qualify, you have to:
- Reside in a region that qualifies.
- Have at least one child younger than five.
- Be below the program’s specified income criteria.
For a maximum of 12 months, payments are paid every month via direct deposit. The assistance aims to improve family stability and lessen inequality in addition to meeting basic needs.
Pennsylvania: Seniors might receive up to $800
Seniors and individuals with disabilities in Pennsylvania are eligible for financial aid that is intended to lessen the expense of rent or property taxes.
This program, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate, gives each applicant up to $800.
It targets three primary groups:
- Individuals above 65.
- Older than fifty widows or widowers.
- Those with impairments who are at least eighteen years old.
There are severe income restrictions:
- Homeowners can earn up to $35,000.
- As much as $15,000 annually for tenants.
The payment, which can be requested once a year, is a substantial help to people with low incomes and heavy fixed expenses.
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It can be quite helpful in keeping the financial balance of your household if you meet the standards.
Colorado: Up to $1,600 in TABOR reimbursements
A portion of the budget excess is returned to taxpayers through the TABOR refund, which Colorado is still paying out.
The amount is determined by the filing method of the tax return:
- $800 for those who filed on their own.
- For joint returns, $1,600.
You must have submitted your state tax return for the 2024 tax year in order to get this refund. Depending on when your return was processed, the payment schedule ranges from March to June.
Depending on the preference specified on the return, these payments are either made by physical check or directly to the taxpayer’s account.
Although this is a one-time assistance, it may be helpful in covering unforeseen or one-time costs.
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Alaska: $1,702 annual dividend in May
Every year, Alaskans may rely on the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). This payment is a component of the state’s oil income distribution. The authorized amount is $1,702 per person in 2025.
Among the prerequisites are:
- Have lived in Alaska consistently for a minimum of one year.
- Not spent more than 180 days outside of the state during the assessment period.
- Possess no past records of disqualifying circumstances.
Many people receive this payout in the spring, and it is paid once a year.
Many households rely on this income as part of their annual budgeting, so its arrival in May might be welcome news even though it is not a regular check.
To find out whether assistance is available, check with your state
Other jurisdictions may provide extra assistance in the form of tax credits, refunds, or municipal subsidies, even though these four states have approved schemes for May 2025.
The best approach to find out if you qualify for any aid is to visit the official revenue or social services website in your state.
It’s a good idea to monitor any updates from your state because this aid isn’t usually mentioned well in advance. An additional check can help you pay a payment, get by, or just provide some financial stability when things become tough.
