As the United States suffers from record-breaking inflation rates, the Golden State released a one-time stimulus payment to aid California residents. The purpose of the stimulus check is to help residents, regardless of immigration status, with the cost of living and increasing gas prices. 

The payment, now called the Middle Class Tax Refund, is one of the largest in California history. The state will be releasing around $9.5 billion total. As the cost of living only increases, the stimulus check will help as many as 23 million Californians. 

To receive this aid, one must have filed a 2020 tax return and the amount reimbursed depends on both income and the number of dependents. 

Eligibility 

Joint filers making under $150,000 will receive $700, plus an additional $350 if they have any dependents. They will receive the additional amount regardless of the number of dependents they may have. Single filers making under $75,000 will get $350 or $700 if they have any dependents. 

Single filers making between $75,000 and $125,000 will receive $250 or $500 with dependents. Joint filers making between $150,000 and $250,000 will receive $400, with an additional $200 if they have any dependents. 

Finally, single filers making between $125,000 and $250,000 will be receiving $200 or $400 if they have any dependents. Joint filers making between $250,000 and $500,000 will receive $400, plus $200 for any dependents.

Disbursement Methods

The state will distribute the money through direct deposit or mailed debit cards. Payments will be issued through direct deposit from Oct. 7 through Oct. 25 for those who filed their tax return electronically. The state will be disbursing the remaining payments between Oct. 28 through Nov. 14.

If you did not file taxes for 2020, you will not qualify for a payment. However, California is also increasing aid for programs such as Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (a program that provides monthly payments to low-income and disabled people), andCalWORKS grant (a program providing aid for low-income families with children at home).