The financial relief provided by stimulus checks has been a crucial lifeline for many Americans during challenging times. With inflation and rising costs affecting everyday life, the U.S. government and states across the country have introduced various forms of financial assistance. One such relief measure, the $640 stimulus check, has sparked discussions. While there isn’t a federal $640 stimulus check available right now, several states have rolled out their own programs with similar benefits for residents. Here’s everything you need to know about stimulus checks and other related assistance in 2025.
What is the $640 Stimulus Check?
As of May 2025, there is no nationwide federal $640 stimulus check issued by the U.S. government. However, various state-level programs are designed to offer financial support to eligible citizens. These programs have varying amounts, and the closest equivalent is the inflation relief and tax credits available in several states, including New York and Washington.
States Offering Stimulus Payments and Relief
New York State Inflation Relief Payments
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed an inflation relief package that includes one-time direct payments for residents. These payments aim to provide financial relief to individuals facing the effects of inflation.
Eligibility for New York’s Inflation Relief Payment:
- Joint filers with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $400.
- Joint filers earning between $150,000 and $300,000 will receive $300.
- Single filers with incomes up to $75,000 will receive $200.
- Single filers earning between $75,000 and $150,000 will receive $150.
These payments are set to be distributed later in 2025, though the exact timeline has not yet been confirmed. The program is intended to help ease the burden on residents dealing with the rising cost of living.
Washington State’s Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)
Washington state has rolled out the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), which provides up to $1,290 for eligible taxpayers. This tax credit is part of an effort to offer financial relief to working families, especially those with children or dependents.
Eligibility for the WFTC:
- Applicants must be between the ages of 25 and 64 years old or have a qualifying child.
- The applicant must have lived in Washington for at least 183 days in 2024.
- Applicants must meet specific income requirements and have filed a federal tax return.
- Applicants must be eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
The program started accepting applications on February 1, 2025, and will continue through December 2028. Payments will be distributed through direct deposit, paper checks, or prepaid debit cards. For more information, visit the Washington Department of Revenue.
IRS Recovery Rebate Credit
The IRS has also been issuing one-time payments for people who missed out on previous stimulus checks, including those from 2021. These payments are part of the Recovery Rebate Credit program, which aims to ensure all eligible taxpayers receive the stimulus funds they are entitled to.
For many people, the Recovery Rebate Credit payments will provide up to $1,400 per person. These payments are being processed automatically for taxpayers who failed to claim the credit on their 2021 tax return.
Who Is Eligible?
- U.S. residents who missed out on the 2021 stimulus payments and qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Eligible individuals can claim these payments by filing their 2021 tax returns, if they haven’t done so already.
Key Takeaways
While there isn’t a federal $640 stimulus check available right now, several states are offering relief payments designed to help residents cope with the increased cost of living. New York, for instance, has launched an inflation relief program that provides direct payments to eligible individuals based on their income. Washington has also introduced the Working Families Tax Credit, which offers payments to low-income workers, and the IRS is continuing to issue Recovery Rebate Credit payments for eligible individuals.
For those looking to receive any of these payments, it’s important to check the eligibility criteria for each program. Ensuring that your information is up to date with the relevant authorities will help ensure you receive any payments you qualify for. Additionally, staying informed on future relief measures, such as additional state programs or federal initiatives, will help ensure you don’t miss out on vital financial assistance.
Conclusion
As inflation continues to affect American households, stimulus payments and relief measures are vital for many. While there is no current federal $640 stimulus check, the state-level programs, tax credits, and recovery rebates available in 2025 offer much-needed support. Stay informed about the specific programs that may apply to you, and be proactive in ensuring your eligibility. Financial relief is available make sure you don’t miss out.
