Reality check: Any message saying "claim your federal stimulus check now" is almost certainly a scam — the federal COVID-era payments ended, and the IRS never texts payment links. What's real today: state-level rebates, refundable tax credits, and unemployment benefits.
Check current payments and credits for your state
Real relief today mostly flows through tax credits and state programs.
Why tax credits are today's stimulus
Refundable credits like the EITC pay out even when you owe no tax — for a working family, that can mean several thousand dollars in a refund. The IRS estimates a meaningful share of eligible workers never claim the EITC, usually because their income was low enough that they weren't required to file. If that's you, filing anyway is how you collect. Free help exists: IRS Free File online, and VITA sites in person.
How to verify any payment claim
- Federal: check IRS.gov directly — type the address yourself.
- State: check your state revenue department's .gov site, found via the directory above.
- Never click payment links in texts or emails; the IRS initiates contact by mail.
Our scam warnings guide covers the current stimulus-scam patterns. And if cash is tight right now, pair tax-time money with immediate help: state assistance programs and hardship relief.