If you’ve seen claims online about new government stimulus checks landing in mailboxes this summer, hold off on planning that shopping spree. The rumors are false.
Social media posts circulated Friday alleging that the IRS and Treasury Department had approved $1,390 stimulus checks for low- and middle-income taxpayers. But the IRS confirmed no such payments are coming. Congress has not authorized any new economic impact payments, and without legislation, there’s no legal mechanism for the Treasury to send checks.
So where did the buzz come from? Likely confusion around two separate issues. First, earlier this year, the IRS issued about $2.4 billion in Recovery Rebate Credits to people who never claimed their 2021 pandemic stimulus payments. But that program closed on April 15, with no new credits available.
Second, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley introduced the American Worker Rebate Act in July. The proposal would return revenue from Trump-era tariffs directly to taxpayers—at least $600 per adult, with more for children. Families of four could receive up to $2,400, though higher earners would see reduced benefits. Hawley argues that hardworking Americans deserve to benefit from tariff revenues.
But here’s the catch: his bill hasn’t advanced. It was introduced, read twice in the Senate, and sent to the Finance Committee—where it remains. Without passage in both chambers of Congress, these rebate checks remain hypothetical.
Historically, stimulus payments have always required congressional approval, such as during the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Until similar legislation clears, there will be no new payments.
Bottom line: Despite the headlines, there are no approved stimulus checks this summer. Any posts suggesting otherwise are misleading at best, and outright false at worst.
