California and These Other 5 States Are Getting Relief Checks

The Fed is combating historic inflation, and the prices of everything, from food to gas, are through the roof. The high prices have put low-income families at risk of going hungry or lacking household essentials. Fortunately, a number of states are distributing stimulus checks to low-income residents as an inflation relief measure.

The checks are mostly funded by budget surplus, which stands in the billions for some states. In addition to sending direct payments to residents, some states have suspended certain taxes. In Illinois, for instance, sales tax on groceries has been suspended through June 2023, and California has temporarily halted its diesel sales tax.

At least 20 states have created inflation relief programs to offset high prices for residents. The assistance targets low-income households, and the check amounts vary by state. Whereas some states are already distributing inflation relief checks, others are still preparing their stimulus plans.

California is among the states about to send relief checks to residents. It plans to spend $9.5 billion on direct payments of up to $1,050. The program targets households with an annual income below $500,000. Other states sending inflation relief checks are as follows:

• Minnesota

• New Mexico

• Indiana

• Kentucky

South Carolina is giving residents up to $800 in tax rebates. The program will cost $1 billion and rebates are only for the tax amount that a resident actually paid.

Minnesota is sending $750 in direct payments to frontline workers. Residents earning less than $165,000 may also receive a $1,000 tax rebate.

New Mexico has been a great place to be for people in need of financial support in these difficult times. The state has issued several rounds of inflation relief checks, and the payments continue. In the latest round, New Mexico is sending $250 to residents making less than $75,000. A family with two adults and less than $150,000 in earnings gets $500.

Indiana sent a first round of inflation relief checks of $125. There are plans to get send an additional $225 to residents, which would result in a total of $350 in relief for a single adult and $700 for a couple. The relief program will cost the state $1 billion.

Kentucky plans to distribute inflation relief checks to residents in a program that will cost $1 billion. The checks will be for $500 for an individual and $1,000 for couples. The state has also decided to cut its vehicle property tax.