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Truth About 1390 Stimulus Checks and Real Financial Aid Options
By:Amara Martin
January 20, 2026
The topic of 1390 stimulus checks has surged across social media, leading many families to wonder if a new federal payment is on the way. While viral posts often promise a direct deposit of this specific amount, federal agencies have clarified that no legislation currently authorizes a nationwide payment of $1,390. Instead, this figure appears to be a mix of average tax refund amounts, specific state rebates, and older economic data.
Key Takeaways
Federal Clarification: The IRS has confirmed there is no new federal law authorizing a standalone "1390 stimulus check" for all Americans.
Origin of the Number: The $1,390 figure likely conflates average tax refunds or specific state programs, such as past Economic Impact Payments or state-level surplus rebates.
Real Financial Boosts: While a federal check isn't coming, millions will see more money through the 2.8% Social Security COLA and increased tax credits like the EITC.
State-Level Aid: Residents in states like Alaska, Georgia, and Minnesota have access to legitimate surplus refunds and rebates that can equal or exceed the rumored amount.
Stay Safe: Government agencies never announce payments via unsolicited text messages; always verify claims through official.gov websites.
Analyzing the 1390 Stimulus Checks Rumor
Understanding the source of the 1390 stimulus checks rumor is essential for financial planning. Unlike official government bills which usually propose round numbers like $600 or $1,000, the specificity of $1,390 points to a calculated average rather than a legislative proposal.
Why This Number Went Viral
Financial experts suggest this figure is likely an aggregate of different financial data points. Misinformation often spreads when complex tax details are simplified for social media engagement.
Average Tax Refunds: Early tax season data often shows average refunds hovering in the low-to-mid $1,000 range.
State Rebate Confusion: Specific state payments, such as Arizona's family rebate which maxed out at $1,500 for some families, are easily confused with federal promises.
Old Stimulus Data: The residual value of the 2021 payment ($1,400) is often discussed in the context of "unclaimed funds," leading to confusion.
No Federal Legislation Exists
For a new stimulus check to reach your bank account, it must pass through Congress and be signed by the President. Currently, there is no bill on the floor proposing a $1,390 direct payment. The "American Worker Rebate Act" was a proposal for tariff-funded checks, but it has not become law.
Real Federal Financial Support Available
While a specific 1390 stimulus check is a myth, the federal government has adjusted the tax code to provide significant financial relief. These adjustments often result in larger refunds, which can feel like a stimulus payment when they arrive.
Enhanced Standard Deductions
The IRS has increased the Standard Deduction to account for inflation, shielding more of your income from taxes. This means many households will owe less and potentially receive more back at tax time.
Married Filing Jointly: The deduction has increased to $32,200.
Single Filers: The deduction is now $16,100.
Heads of Household: The deduction stands at $24,150.
Powerful Refundable Credits
The most effective way to receive a lump sum of cash from the government is through refundable tax credits. These credits can reduce your tax bill to zero and result in a refund for the remaining amount.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Families with three or more children could receive over $8,000 if they qualify.
Child Tax Credit (CTC): This credit remains a primary vehicle for family support, offering up to $2,000 per qualifying child.
Adoption Credit: Families who adopted may qualify for a credit of over $17,600, with a portion potentially being refundable.
Social Security and SSI Adjustments
For retirees and individuals with disabilities, the "stimulus" comes in the form of a permanent increase in monthly benefits. The SSA has announced a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation.
The 2.8% COLA Increase
Starting in January, Social Security benefits increased by 2.8%. This adjustment is automatic and does not require an application.
Beneficiary Type
Monthly Increase (Avg)
New Avg Monthly Benefit
Retired Workers
+$56
$2,071
Aged Couples
+$88
$3,208
Disabled Workers
+$44
$1,630
Widowed Mother (2 Kids)
+$106
$3,898
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Recipients of SSI also see increased federal payment standards.
Individuals: The new federal standard is $994 per month.
Couples: The standard has risen to $1,491 per month.
Clarification: Rumors of a separate bonus check for SSI recipients are false; the increase is built into the regular monthly deposit.
Verified State Stimulus and Rebates
The most likely source of a "surprise" payment comes from state governments returning budget surpluses to residents. These programs vary by location and often match the 1390 stimulus checks search intent due to their similar dollar amounts.
Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend
Alaska residents receive an annual dividend from the state's mineral wealth.
Payment Amount: The dividend is set at $1,000 per eligible resident.
Eligibility: You must be a resident for the full calendar year preceding the application.
Timeline: Payments typically begin distribution in October.
Minnesota Child Tax Credit
Minnesota has enacted a robust state-level credit that rivals federal amounts.
Amount: Up to $1,750 per child.
Impact: For a low-income family with one child, this single payment exceeds the rumored $1,390 figure.
Delivery: This is claimed when filing your state income tax return.
Georgia Surplus Refund
Georgia continues to return surplus tax revenue to its citizens.
Single Filers: Eligible for up to $250.
Married Couples: Eligible for up to $500.
Requirement: You must have filed tax returns for the previous two years to qualify for this automatic refund.
Arizona Families Tax Rebate
This rebate was a one-time payment that targeted families with dependents.
Structure: Payments were issued for $250 per dependent under 17.
Maximum: Families could claim up to three dependents, capping the payment at $750 for singles or $1,500 for married couples.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
The excitement surrounding potential 1390 stimulus checks creates an opportunity for scammers. It is vital to recognize the signs of fraud to protect your financial and personal information.
Ignore "Pending Deposit" Texts: The IRS does not send text messages about refunds or payment status.
Verify the Source: Scammers often use look-alike websites. Always ensure you are on a .gov domain before entering any data.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a phishing attempt, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission at their report fraud portal.
Strategic Steps to Access Funds
Waiting for a rumored check is not an effective financial strategy. Instead, take proactive steps to ensure you receive all the legitimate money owed to you.
File Your Taxes Early: Even if you owe nothing, filing is the only way to trigger refunds for credits like the EITC and CTC.
Check for Unclaimed Property: Billions of dollars in old bank accounts and utility deposits sit unclaimed. Visit unclaimed property databases to search for your name.
Update Your Address: Ensure your state revenue department has your current address so you don't miss out on automatic surplus rebates.
Review Withholdings: Adjust your W-4 form to ensure you aren't overpaying taxes from your paycheck, which puts more money in your pocket immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $1,390 stimulus check approved for 2026?
No, there is no federal legislation authorizing a $1,390 stimulus check. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Treasury have confirmed that no new direct payments have been signed into law for 2026, and the rumor appears to be a mix of misinformation and clickbait.
Why is the specific amount of "$1,390" trending online?
This figure likely stems from confusion regarding the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, which was worth $1,400, or it may be an average of legitimate tax refund amounts that social media algorithms have amplified. Scammers often use specific, odd numbers like $1,390 to make false claims sound more calculated and official to unsuspecting users.
Are there any legitimate relief payments arriving this year?
While no federal stimulus checks are coming, some states (such as Georgia, Michigan, and Oregon) have enacted state-level surplus rebates or expanded tax credits for eligible residents. You should check your specific state's Department of Revenue website to see if you qualify for a state-specific "kicker" or inflation relief payment, which is entirely separate from the IRS.
How can I verify if a stimulus notification is a scam?
The IRS will never initiate contact via text message, email, or social media to demand personal information or promise an "instant" payment. If you receive a message claiming you are owed exactly $1,390, do not click any links; instead, log in directly to your official IRS.gov account to view your legitimate tax status.
Can I still claim old missed stimulus money?
Yes, but only if you have not yet filed a tax return for the pandemic years (2020 or 2021) and were eligible at that time. You would need to file a past-due return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for those specific years, but this is a retroactive claim, not a new 2026 stimulus program.
Financial Emergency? Check for Your $1,000 Claim
There is over $80 billion in unclaimed money nationwide. 1 in 7 people have funds waiting for them—most of which average $1,000. If you need urgent cash, search the 2026 database now to see if the government is holding your money.
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