Dec. 27, 2025, 5:02 a.m. MT
- Over the past few months, rumors about stimulus checks have been making the rounds on the news and social media.
- Stimulus checks are direct federal payments the U.S. government has sent to households during times of economic stress to help people with basic expenses and boost economic spending.
- The talk of stimulus checks has resurfaced primarily due to President Donald Trump publicly discussing the idea of issuing a new round of payments, described as a $2,000 “tariff dividend” check.
Have you heard rumblings about another stimulus check heading your way?
Over the past few months, rumors about stimulus checks have been making the rounds on the news and social media.
Stimulus checks are direct federal payments the U.S. government has sent to households during times of economic stress to help people with basic expenses and boost economic spending. Most recently, these rounds occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021, when the government sent up to $1,200, $600 and $1,400 per person to eligible taxpayers as part of economic relief laws.
These payments were authorized by Congress and distributed by the IRS to millions of Americans to support them during job losses and economic disruption.
The talk of stimulus checks has resurfaced primarily due to President Donald Trump publicly discussing the idea of issuing a new round of payments, described as a $2,000 “tariff dividend” check for lower- and middle-income Americans.
Here’s what you need to know about the $2,000 stimulus check and how to avoid falling for scams.
Is Trump giving another stimulus check?
$2,000 stimulus checks have not been confirmed and are unlikely to arrive in December 2025. People should approach any news or notifications that claim otherwise with caution, as they may be fraudulent.
However, Trump indicated that the $2,000 checks would arrive in mid-2026, although no concrete payment plan exists and Congress has not yet approved the checks.
Was the $2,000 stimulus check approved?
There is no federal stimulus check approved or scheduled as of December 2025. Congress has not passed any new stimulus legislation, and the IRS has confirmed that the original three rounds of Economic Impact Payments are complete.
Claims circulating on social media about new $2,000 checks or additional federal stimulus payments are rumors and misinformation. Any payments being issued now are strictly related to past unclaimed credits, not a new relief program.
When do we get the $2,000 stimulus check?
Because no new stimulus program has been approved, no one is eligible for a stimulus check unless a law is passed.
If you weren’t notified via an official IRS letter and the payment wasn’t logged in your online IRS account, it likely is not legitimate. Be cautious of texts or emails claiming payments; the IRS warns that these are often scams.
Who will get the $2,000 stimulus check?
No one is eligible for a stimulus check unless a law is passed.
However, you may still claim missing funds as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 or 2021 tax return, provided your income is below certain thresholds, such as approximately $75k single, $150k married couples for the third check and you have valid Social Security Numbers for both recipients and dependents. Eligibility depends on income and filing status, with higher earners getting less or nothing, and benefits extended to dependents, including adults/students with SSNs.
Do you have a tip or a question you need answered? Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on Instagram @dina_kaur.
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