Inflation relief checks: What to do to get your relief check in October

As the world economy continues the long post-pandemic recovery, nations around the world have been experiencing a sustained period of high inflation. This has pushed up prices far beyond the typical rate of wage growth, leaving consumers with less money in their pockets in real terms.

In an effort to aid residents, a number of US states are issuing inflation relief payments to ensure that households across the country are still able to cover the cost of essentials. Others are simply offering additional tax rebates to provide financial support more generally.

The amount on offer varies between states from a couple of hundred dollars to more than $1,000 per taxpayer, a significant amount in tough economic circumstances.

We take a look at the states offering direct payments, and what residents need to do to ensure that they don’t miss out on their entitlement…

California

Payments began going out to eligible residents last week and will continue until January 2023, with up to $1,050 on offer. To be eligible, you must have been a California resident during 2020 and you must submit your state tax return for the year.

Colorado

Residents who lived in Colorado for all of 2021 and who filed a state tax return during the 2021 tax year can get a one-off tax rebate worth $750 per person, or $1,500 for joint filers.

Delaware

The Delaware Relief Rebate Program will provide a $300 inflation relief check for individual residents or $600 for couples who file jointly. To be eligible, you need to have filed either a 2020 or 2021 tax return.

Florida

The state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families initiative will provide a $450 inflation relief check for low-income household. The checks will be sent automatically.

Georgia

Residents who have a tax liability for 2020 and who filed a tax return for that can get a one-off tax refund. The payments were first sent out in August but officials have advised that “it may take some time for all refunds to be processed.”

Hawaii

Individuals who earned less than $100,000 in 2021 ($200,000 for joint filers) will get $300 per person and per dependent from Gov. David Ige’s one-time tax refund. The payments will be automatic for those who filed a tax return and were distributed from 12 September.

Idaho

In September a new round of bonus relief checks was authorised, offering a rebate worth up to 10% of income taxes paid for 2020. To be eligible, residents must file their 2020 and 2021 tax returns before 31 December 2022.

Illinois

Homeowners in Illinois are in line for a tax rebate worth up to $300, provided that their gross income does not exceed $250,000, or $500,000 for joint filers. Residents must have filed a 2021 state tax return.

Maine

A program introduced by Maine Governor Janey Mills will see $850 checks sent to an estimated 858,000 Mainers to help ease the pain caused by inflation. To be eligible Maine residents must file a 2021 state individual income tax return before 31 October 2022.

Massachusetts

From November onwards, full-year residents who filed a 2021 tax return no later than 17 October 2022 will be sent a tax rebate. Current estimates suggest that the rebate will be worth around 13% of the claimant’s 2021 tax liability.

New Jersey

The state is offering a Middle Class Tax Rebate for residents with at least one dependent child, provided they filed for 2020 with a tax balance of at least $1.

South Carolina

Residents with a 2021 tax liability can get up to $700 in the form of a tax rebate, although the actual amount on offer will not be confirmed until 17 October at the earliest. To receive the money, which will be distributed by 31 December, you simply need to ensure you have filed a tax return.

Virginia

Eligible Virginians are starting to receive a tax rebate with $250 for single filers and $500 for joint filers to “help families lower the cost of living,” according to Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The deadline to file your 2021 tax return and trigger the payment is 1 November, but do it as quickly as possible to reduce the wait. The state has warned that it can take up to four months from your file date for the rebate to arrive.