New stimulus checks could be coming, and this time, they’re not being floated on borrowed money. Instead, lawmakers are pushing to use tariff revenue—the taxes collected from imports—to fund direct payments to American families.
That means you might receive $600 or more without raising the federal debt or increasing your taxes. If you’re thinking, “Wait, didn’t we do this before?”—yes, but this round is different. Let’s break it down clearly and simply.
New Stimulus Checks Could Be Coming
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposal Name | American Worker Rebate Act |
| Suggested Check Amount | Minimum $600 per person, more if tariff collections exceed projections |
| Eligibility | Based on 2024 income: phase-out starts at $75K (single), $150K (married) |
| Funding Source | U.S. import tariffs—$113+ billion already collected in FY 2025 |
| Timeline | If passed, checks could go out in late 2025 or early 2026 |
| IRS Reference | IRS Stimulus Payment Page |
| Criticism | Potential price inflation, political timing, trade war backlash |
| Support Base | Blue-collar workers, populist Republicans, some swing-state Democrats |
The idea that new stimulus checks could be coming has sparked fresh hope—and new controversy. Unlike past relief efforts, the American Worker Rebate Act uses tariff revenue already collected to send $600+ per person. It’s bold. It’s unconventional. And it’s making waves in Washington.
Whether this plan becomes law or fizzles out, it shows that Americans are hungry for smart, direct, and debt-free solutions. If Congress moves fast, checks could hit mailboxes or bank accounts by early 2026.
A Quick History of Stimulus Checks in the U.S.
Before we dive deeper, let’s jog your memory. Since 2020, Americans have received three major rounds of federal stimulus checks:
| Year | Program | Payment Per Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | CARES Act | $1,200 |
| 2021 | Coronavirus Response (Biden) | $600 + $1,400 |
| 2021-2022 | American Rescue Plan (ARP) | $1,400 |
Unlike those payments, this new rebate doesn’t require new borrowing. It’s based on real money already collected through tariffs.
How Much Money Could You Get?
Here’s a simple breakdown of how much your household might receive under the American Worker Rebate Act:
| Household Size | Estimated Rebate |
|---|---|
| Single adult | $600 |
| Couple (no kids) | $1,200 |
| Couple + 1 child | $1,800 |
| Family of 4 | $2,400 |
| Family of 5+ | $3,000+ |
Note: Higher-income households (earning above the IRS thresholds) may receive reduced or no rebate.
Why Use Tariffs for Stimulus?
Tariffs are taxes imposed on foreign goods. For example, when we import cars, electronics, or machinery from abroad, U.S. Customs collects money at the border. In 2025, that amounted to over $113 billion.
Instead of sitting in government coffers or getting funneled into federal projects, lawmakers like Sen. Josh Hawley are proposing to send some of it back to you. It’s a form of populist economics that says: “If we’re taxing imports to protect jobs, workers should benefit too.”
This would be the first tariff-backed rebate program in U.S. history.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- No new federal debt
- Fast stimulus with clear funding source
- Potential for larger checks if tariffs increase
Cons:
- Tariffs increase costs of goods like electronics and cars
- Inflation worries if checks overheat the economy
- International backlash in trade relationships
What Americans Are Saying
“I teach 2nd grade and spend my own money on supplies. If this rebate goes through, I’ll finally be able to catch up on credit card bills.”
— Jasmine R., Elementary School Teacher, Arizona
“As a small business owner, I think putting that money in people’s hands will drive spending. But let’s not forget it’s a Band-Aid. We need better long-term policy.”
— Michael L., Retail Shop Owner, Michigan
State-by-State Considerations
Certain states could benefit more depending on how reliant they are on imports. For instance:
- California & New York: Might see more pricing pressure due to high import activity.
- Midwestern states: May benefit more as many tariffs were targeted at protecting domestic manufacturing.
Election Year Timing: Coincidence or Strategy?
Let’s be real — this is an election year, and voters are feeling squeezed. As food, housing, and gas prices creep up again, economic relief is a hot topic.
Some critics call the rebate plan “vote bait.” But to others, it’s a legitimate way to redistribute wealth earned from tariffs that have made goods pricier for American families. Either way, don’t be surprised if this becomes a major talking point in debates and campaign ads.
How the Plan Would Work (Step-by-Step)
- Bill Introduced: The American Worker Rebate Act was filed in the Senate in mid-2025.
- Congressional Hearings: Committees debate terms, negotiate funding levels.
- Floor Vote: House and Senate must pass identical versions.
- Presidential Signature: The bill heads to the President.
- IRS Distributes Payments: The IRS uses your most recent tax return to send your rebate.
Proposed Stimulus Scenarios
Let’s break down some of the different ideas lawmakers are currently tossing around. It’s helpful to see how potential new stimulus checks might look compared to previous rounds and what’s being debated now:
| Feature | COVID-19 Stimulus (e.g., 2021) | Current Proposal A (e.g., Targeted Relief) | Current Proposal B (e.g., Broader Support) |
| Max Payment | Up to $1,400 per individual | Up to $800 per individual | Up to $1,200 per individual |
| Income Cap (Single Filer) | $75,000 AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) | $50,000 AGI | $75,000 AGI |
| Income Cap (Married Filing Jointly) | $150,000 AGI | $100,000 AGI | $150,000 AGI |
| Target Audience | Broad population | Low-income households, specific industries | Broader low-to-middle income households |
| Primary Argument For | Boost overall spending, emergency aid | Direct help to most vulnerable | Widespread economic stabilization |
| Primary Argument Against | Inflationary concerns, national debt | May not be enough for widespread impact | High cost, potential inflation |
Tips, Myths, or Mistakes Section: Navigating Stimulus Talk
It’s easy to get confused with all the talk about stimulus checks! Here are some common myths and smart tips:
Myths Debunked:
- Myth: “Everyone gets a stimulus check no matter what.”
- Reality: Eligibility is usually based on income, filing status, and other criteria set by Congress. High-income earners typically don’t qualify.
- Myth: “You need to pay a fee to get your stimulus check.”
- Reality: This is a scam! The government will never ask you to pay a fee to receive your stimulus payment.
Smart Tips:
- Stay Informed (from official sources!): Only trust information from the IRS, official government websites (.gov), or reputable news organizations.
- Update Your Info: If new checks are approved, make sure your direct deposit information with the IRS is current to receive payments quickly.
- Watch Out for Scams: Be incredibly wary of texts, emails, or calls asking for personal information or claiming to speed up your payment. These are almost always scams!
How to Prepare (In Case This Passes)
Here’s what you can do right now to stay ahead:
- File Your Taxes Early
Your 2024 tax return will determine eligibility and payment amount. - Update Banking Info with IRS
Use the IRS portal to ensure direct deposit. - Sign Up for IRS Notifications
Get alerts at IRS.gov to avoid scams or missed payments.
FAQs
Q: Is the stimulus check guaranteed?
A: Not yet. It’s in the legislative process and may take months to pass.
Q: Will undocumented workers qualify?
A: Unlikely. Just like past stimulus rounds, eligibility is based on valid SSNs and tax filings.
Q: Will this affect my taxes?
A: No. Rebates are non-taxable and do not reduce your tax refund.
Q: What if I moved or changed bank accounts?
A: Update your info via the IRS “Get My Payment” portal.
