Over the course of the last five years, there have been a total of three stimulus checks brought about as part of stimulus programs linked to the COVID-19 era. More recently, rumors and speculation as seen across various social media platforms and certain websites are speaking of a fourth stimulus check that is allegedly on its way to Americans. The rumors are, however, unfounded and neither Congress nor the IRS have shared any sort of official confirmation regarding the validity of these claims.
Here is what you need to know.
What is a stimulus check?
Like the name suggests, a stimulus check is paid to residents of the country by the government in order to stimulate the economy. This is typically done during times of economic distress and can exist in varying forms such as a mailed check, a direct deposit, or as part of a stimulus effort. These checks are “are meant to boost consumer confidence and encourage spending by going to taxpayers who, in turn, would use them to drive revenue at retailers and manufacturers. These payments aim to boost the economy.”
In recent years, three stimulus checks had been issued during the COVID-19 pandemic when the state of the economy had been especially dire. The first of the three stimulus check was worth up to $1,200 for individuals, or $2,4000 for married couples, with an additional $500 per qualifying child (provided they were under the age of 17). The second stimulus check was issued at up to $600 per individual, and $1,200 for married couples, also with an additional $600 per qualifying child (provided they were under the age of 17). The last of the three stimulus checks was worth $1,400 per individual, with married couples who file jointly receiving an additional $1,400 per each qualifying dependent.
The first stimulus check was issued in March and April of 2020, the second stimulus check was issued by January 15th, 2021, and the last stimulus check was issued between March and December of 2021. The deadline to claim or file for all three of these checks has since passed, with the deadline to file for the third stimulus check passing a few month ago on April 15th, 2025.
Will there be a fourth stimulus check?
Despite the speculations that appear to have gained traction online of a fourth stimulus check amounting to either $1,390 or $1,702 or $2,000, no such thing has been confirmed by Congress or the IRS. In fact, the IRS has issued a warning against scams that result in people being pressured into sharing personal information. On the IRS website, the agency warns people to watch out for the following:
- A big payday – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bad tax advice on social media may convince you to lie on tax forms or mislead you about credits you can claim.
- Demands or threats – Impersonators want you to pay “now or else.” They threaten arrest or deportation. They don’t let you question or appeal the amount of tax you owe.
- Website links – Odd or misspelled web links can take you to harmful sites instead of IRS.gov.
Whilst this fourth check may just be an unfounded rumor, President Trump had indeed put forward the idea of using some of the additional revenue generated by the tariffs for a rebate check to be issued to people within certain income brackets. In February, Trump also considered the possibility of issuing a $5,000 stimulus check to taxpayers, referring to this payment as the “DOGE Dividend”. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk at the time, had been deployed by Trump to the federal government with the aim of cutting back on federal spending. As such, during a summit in Miami, Trump explained the “DOGE Dividend” as “using part of the 20% of the savings identified by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and giving it back to taxpayers.” Since then, however, no mention has been made regarding the possibility or certainty of this $5,000 check.