As September 2025 unfolds, millions of Americans are looking to see whether their state is issuing any form of stimulus-style support. With inflation still squeezing household budgets, states have rolled out different relief programs designed to help seniors, families, and residents manage everyday costs.
This month, three states stand out: New York, California, and Alaska. Each has its own program with unique rules, eligibility requirements, and payout dates. Here’s everything you need to know.
State-by-State Breakdown
New York – STAR Program
The School Tax Relief (STAR) program continues to support homeowners in New York by lowering property tax burdens. Instead of just being applied as a tax credit, eligible homeowners may receive a direct check or rebate.
- Basic STAR: Offers relief between $350 and $600, depending on location and property value.
- Enhanced STAR (E-STAR): For seniors aged 65 and older, with rebates ranging between $700 and $1,500.
- Distribution: Payments begin in September and continue through October, with dates depending on ZIP code.
This program provides significant relief for homeowners at a time when property taxes continue to climb.
California – Sacramento Guaranteed Income Pilot
California is continuing its experiment with Guaranteed Income Programs, and Sacramento has launched one of the most ambitious pilots in 2025.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Residency in one of six zip codes: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, or 95838.
- Parent or guardian of a child between 0 and 5 years old.
- Household income below 200% of the federal poverty line.
- Payment Details: Selected participants will receive around $725 per month for 12 months, starting on September 15, 2025.
This targeted program is designed to provide financial stability for families with young children, helping them cover essentials like childcare, food, and housing.
Alaska – Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
Alaska residents once again benefit from the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), a program that shares revenue generated from the state’s oil wealth.
- Payment Date: September 11, 2025.
- Amount: Approximately $1,702 per eligible resident.
- Eligibility Rules:
- Must have been a resident of Alaska for all of 2024 and intend to remain indefinitely.
- Cannot have claimed residency in another state or country after December 31, 2023.
- Cannot have been convicted of a felony or have served multiple misdemeanors during 2024.
- Cannot have been absent from the state for more than 180 days without a valid reason (education, medical, or military service).
For many households in Alaska, the annual PFD provides a meaningful financial boost just before winter.
| State | Program Name | Payment Date | Typical Amount | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | STAR (Basic & Enhanced) | Sept–Oct 2025 | $350–$600; seniors $700–$1,500 | Homeowners; seniors for Enhanced STAR |
| California | Guaranteed Income Pilot (Sacramento) | September 15, 2025 | ~$725/month (12 months) | Parents of 0–5 year-olds in select ZIP codes |
| Alaska | Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) | September 11, 2025 | ~$1,702 per resident | Full-year 2024 residents with no disqualifications |
Why These Payments Matter
The programs rolling out in September 2025 highlight the varied ways states are supporting residents in an era of high costs:
- For homeowners in New York, STAR checks arrive just in time to offset rising property taxes. Seniors especially benefit from higher rebates under Enhanced STAR.
- For families in Sacramento, California, the Guaranteed Income Pilot helps reduce child poverty by providing a stable, predictable monthly income. This cash support is flexible, allowing families to decide how best to spend it.
- For Alaskans, the PFD remains a unique financial cushion funded by state resources. At over $1,700 per person, it provides meaningful relief for both individuals and families.
Together, these initiatives show how state-level stimulus payments are adapting to the unique challenges of each community.
In September 2025, residents in New York, California, and Alaska will see direct payments through STAR rebates, guaranteed income pilots, and the Alaska PFD. While each program is different, all share the same goal—providing financial relief during a time when household budgets are under pressure.
If you live in one of these states, ensure your eligibility is confirmed and applications are complete to avoid missing out. These payments are not just checks in the mail—they’re part of a broader movement to make life more manageable for American families and retirees.
FAQs
Most will receive between $350 and $600, while seniors under Enhanced STAR may get $700–$1,500.
Payments begin on September 15, 2025, and provide $725/month for 12 months to eligible Sacramento families.
Eligible Alaskans will receive approximately $1,702 on September 11, 2025.