Back when the American Rescue Plan came into play, the Federal Government distributed funds to all 50 states to help out their residents to help boost their economy. The only problem is that the funds were not meant to last; they were a temporary solution. This is why states were left with the task of figuring out how to spend these funds to economically recover. This article will tell you how states are using these funds to help Americans and which states are doing it. Of course, not all states are offering a stimulus check, but you need to find out whether your state is or not.

Which States Are Giving Out an Extra Stimulus Check?

As an American, you should know that all 50 states have access to funds. It is up to the state government to decide how they want to spend it. There are currently a few states that have created a plan on how to distribute these funds as a fourth stimulus plan.

4th Stimulus Checks Are Aimed to Provide Assistance to Targeted Groups 

There are many states that are digging into the pot of gold that the Federal Government offered. These states plan to use these funds as fourth stimulus checks for specific targeted groups. As always, these requirements vary from one state to another. But, they mostly share the same objective, which is helping individuals and households that are struggling or fall into a certain income level.

Arizona

Arizona took a different approach when it comes to stimulus checks. The state is distributed funds to people who were going back to work. Arizona’s Back to Work Program is provided up to $2,000 to individuals who got a job after remaining unemployed during the pandemic. But, there is a catch to the stimulus checks. You had to have kept your new job for at least eight weeks before you can receive the benefit.

California

California is generous and offered stimulus checks that are similar to the ones from the Federal Government. According to RamseySolutions, the calculations are as follows: “Californians making $75,000 or less were sent a one-time check of $600 or $1,200 as part of the Golden State Stimulus I. And with the Golden State Stimulus II, they could be eligible for a second stimulus payment anywhere from $500 to $1,100.” This is added to the extra cash California distributed through the Young Child Tax Credit to families who have children that are the age of 6 or younger.

Maryland

In Maryland, you should know that good luck comes even if you have to wait for a while. If you filed for Earned Income Tax Credit on your 2019 taxes, then you can receive up to $500 for households or $300 for individuals.

Missouri

If you live in Missouri and currently work in a mental health facility, nursing home or correctional facility, then do not worry! Missouri is distributed an additional $250 for every paycheck to these workers, as a form of thanks for their hard work during the pandemic.

New Mexico

In the state of New Mexico, $5 million is planned to be distributed to individuals and households who were not eligible for the federal stimulus. New Mexican households that fall in a lower-income level will get a one-time fund of $750.

New York

The New York State created a program called Excluded Workers Fund. This program distributed between $3,200 to $15,600 as one-time unemployment benefits to workers who lost their jobs or income during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, these workers had to have not qualify for assistance, such as unemployment benefits or stimulus payments, in order to receive these payouts.

Vermont

The Vermont Frontline Employees Hazard Pay Grant Program distributed checks from $1,200 to $2,000 to frontline workers. These frontline workers who served during the beginning months of the pandemic deserve the payout and they are getting it. Workers who get a check come from a wide range of jobs from retail and grocery workers to health care workers.

4th Stimulus Checks Are Also Offered to Teachers 

There are states that are taking a new approach to their fourth stimulus checks, in the form of teacher bonuses! It is not a secret that teachers have worked long and hard to shape future generations. Additionally, it is not a secret that they struggled quite a bit during the pandemic’s peaks. As a show of appreciation and support, states are giving teachers a fourth stimulus. (We appreciate the hard work and effort you put in with our youngsters!)

Tennessee

Tennessee is offering full-time teachers $1,000 as a form of stimulus. Additionally, Tennessee is distributing $500 to part-time teachers as a form of thanks for their hard work and effort.

Texas

Nothing has happened on a state level, yet. However, you will find that there are some districts in Texas that are distributing their own bonuses. Districts are offering things such as 2% – 4% raises, a bonus worth up to $500, and a $2,000 incentive. These payments should serve as an incentive for teachers to return to the classroom.

Which Cities Are Giving Out 4th Stimulus Checks?

Chicago

Chicago will randomly choose low-income households and provide them with stimulus checks. Yes, you read that right. Chicago will distribute up to $500 checks to 5,000 households every month throughout the year of 2022. The state will select households at random through a stimulus lottery.

Los Angeles

Similar to Chicago, Los Angeles is distributing payments to low-income households for one year. The stimulus program, called BIG LEAP, will provide 3,200 randomly chosen households up to $1,000 every month in 2022.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has a stimulus program called the Assured Cash Experiment. It offers approximately 200 low-income American households $500 per month for the next two years. This program will spend about $2.5 million on lower-income areas and neighborhoods.

Santa Ana

Santa Ana is a close neighbor of Los Angeles, and they are offering a stimulus program. The Program is called the Revive Santa Ana Resident Stimulus Program. Through this program, it will give out $6 million to areas that fall below the poverty line in Santa Ana. These payments are up to $300, which will be transferred to prepaid debit cards and distributed door-to-door to approximately 20,000 households.

Seattle

Seattle is one of the more generous cities, with its payouts. The Seattle Relief Fund is a welfare program worth $16 million that offers funds from $1,000 to 3,000 to low-income American households to provide financial relief.

You Do Not Need To Wait for a 4th Stimulus Check to Take Charge of Your Financial Situation 

Getting your hands on some additional money when you’re in a tight spot can feel like a breath of much needed fresh air. But, you should not rely on a stimulus as your financial plan. There are different ways that the Federal Government can take care of you. But, you will also need to take care of yourself. You cannot sit around and wait for money to fall in your lap. In order to improve your financial situation, you will need to work on it yourself.

Additionally, you will need to keep in mind that there is a possibility that you will wait for some time. Yes, a fourth stimulus check can help you, but it cannot be your lifeline. If you truly have any desire to take charge over your money, then you need to work out a plan that aims at becoming financially independent.

At one point or another, these stimulus checks will end and you will spend the money. If you know how to budget, save, and determine your financial goals, then you will not need to worry about your stimulus check affecting your financial situation. If you do not know how to maintain your financial situation or improve it, then you can turn to the experts. In the case that you do not want to, then you can turn to budgeting applications instead!

What If Your State Is Not Giving Out a Fourth Round of Stimulus Payments? What Happens Then, Right?

Assuming that is the situation with your state, there are still a few things you can do that might improve your current situation. If you cannot get any assistance through stimulus checks, then you should really look into

• Look through and research other assistance programs available from the Federal Government
• Improve your current budget and financial situation
• Look for another job to generate more income

The most effective way to deal with your circumstance will mostly depend on personal information, such as your lifestyle, your current plan, and so on. Nonetheless, there might be more hope than you understand while dealing with your current financial situation! Make sure to take as much time as you need to assess what way would be best for you and your family.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Food is an overbearing cost to most individuals and households, since it is a basic need for everyone. Food can cost a great deal, which is why the Federal Government made a program that can help qualified people and families. Some might know this program as food stamps, and it gives money out to individuals to use on an electronic benefits card (EBT) card on food and other basic necessities.

Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)

Guardians who make enough that they do not qualify for Medicaid, yet do not make enough to be able to afford the cost of private insurance, can feel like they are in a tight spot. Fortunately, the CHIP can give healthcare coverage at a reduced rate to qualified beneficiaries. If your financial situation sounds familiar to the scenario mentioned above, then it would be a good idea for your health and your family’s health to check out the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP).

Unemployment Benefits

In the event that you lose employment because of factors beyond your control, you might need to investigate unemployment benefits. Each state has its own adaptation of unemployment assistance. This means that where you live will affect the amount of help that you can get. There might be additional assistance options, such as unemployment education and employment training programs that the Federal Government unemployment agency offers, as well!

The Final Verdict

Despite the fact that there will probably not be a fourth round of stimulus checks from the federal level, states might actually have the option to offer this type of assistance. The Federal Government is seeing improvement in the economy and is not encouraged to give more payments, especially with the price tag in question. Remember, regardless of whether states have a plan for a fourth stimulus payment or not, it does not mean that there might not be one in the works! Meanwhile, you can look through additional resources online or through free online tools such as Benefits.gov. Some assistance options you should consider as part of your financial relief solution could be the following:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Unemployment Benefits