States still offering government aid payments of up to $1,500

The third round of federal stimulus checks during the covid-19 pandemic, those worth $1,400 per eligible American, the federal purse strings were tightened and other programs to help families cope were allowed to expire.

So, states and local communities stepped up using pandemic relief funds and bumper tax revenue to send their own relief to residents. Most have wound down now as inflation wanes but there are still some that are sending payments to help ease the hardship families are still facing. Here’s a look at where payments are still being issued.

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Alaska

For the past 41 years, the Alaskan government has shared tax revenue generated through oil extraction with residents through the Permanent Fund Dividend program. This year, the payment per approved applicant will be $3,284.

Do I need to apply?

Yes. Alaskans had to have applied by 31 March, and to be eligible, one must be a resident of the state and cannot be incarcerated for the entire calendar year (2022).

When will the payments be made?

A second batch was issued this month and a third batch of these payments will be distributed in May 2023. Applications with the same status as of 10 May will be distributed on 18 May.

Maine

Maine is sending $450 payments to residents to help cover heating costs this winter. The checks will be sent to approximately 880,000 residents. The state began making relief payments in January and expects all checks to be made by 31 March. Meaning that by mid-April, all those eligible will have received their payment.

However, if by 30 June you have not received the payment, you should contact the state tax authority, which has until 30 September to send any additional checks. The state provides answers to other questions residents may have.

Do you need to apply?

No. Eligibility is determined by the state through information provided on one’s tax return.

Massachusetts

Taxpayers are eligible to receive a refund of approximately 14% of their state tax liability. People who filed their 2021 return before 17 October of last year received their refund in December. However, taxpayers who file before 15 September 2023, will receive the payment one month after filing. Meaning that those who filed in March will see their payment arrive in April. More information on how to claim this benefit can be found on the tax authority’s website.

New Jersey

If you live in New Jersey and filed your tax return in a timely manner, the state Division of Taxation will offer property tax refunds of $450 for renters and $1,000 to $1,500 for homeowners. For further information on the tax refund the state provides answers to your questions.

The filing deadline for the 2019 ANCHOR program was 28 February 2023. The majority of payments will be issued before 3 May 2023, with applications that need additional information potentially taking more time to finalize.

If no payment is received by 3 May 2023, applicants should use the status inquiry link or call 1-888-238-1233 for more information. In the event that the status says a payment has been made, but has not yet been received, the state advises that “taxpayers should call the hotline one week after a direct deposit was supposed to go out or two weeks after a check was supposed to be mailed.”

New Mexico

In-state residents can still receive a refund of $500 for single filers and $1,000 for joint filers. Residents have until 31 May 2023 to file their income tax return for 2021 and qualify for a rebate. The state expects to make the payments in mid-June either by direct deposit or paper check in the mail.

Colorado

If you are from Boulder, Colorado and had annual incomes of $43,900 for individuals and $62,700 for a family of four, you may be eligible for a one-time payment of between $99 and $302. The deadline to claim the relief from the Food Tax Rebate is June 30.