If you live in Houston and have been wondering whether you’re getting another stimulus check in 2025, the answer is a little complicated. While there isn’t a new federal stimulus like the ones from 2020 and 2021, some people still qualify for a $1,400 payment that they never claimed.
At the same time, Harris County launched a guaranteed income program that promised $500 monthly checks to low-income residents—but that program has now been put on hold by the Texas Supreme Court due to legal issues.
So, are you eligible for any financial relief in 2025? Here’s what’s happening and how you can claim any money owed to you.
Some Americans Still Qualify for a $1,400 IRS Payment—Do You?
Believe it or not, about 1 million people never claimed their full stimulus payment from 2021. The IRS is now making one last attempt to get that money to those who missed out.
Who Can Get This Payment?
You might qualify if:
- You never received the full $1,400 stimulus check in 2021
- You forgot to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when you filed your 2021 tax return
- Your income was lower in 2021, or you had a new dependent that would have made you eligible for a bigger payment
A lot of people simply didn’t know they had to claim the credit when they filed their taxes, and now the IRS is giving them another shot.
How to Claim Your $1,400
The deadline to file your 2021 tax return and claim this money is April 15, 2025. If you haven’t done so already, you should file as soon as possible.
Once you file, the IRS will automatically send the payment to your bank account or mailing address on file. If your details have changed since your last tax return, make sure to update your information with the IRS.
Houston’s $500 Monthly Payments Have Been Blocked—Here’s Why
Harris County recently launched the Uplift Harris 2.0 program, a guaranteed income program meant to help low-income families struggling with rising costs. The plan was to send $500 a month to nearly 2,000 families for 18 months using money from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Who Would Have Gotten the Payments?
To qualify, you needed to be:
- Living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line (about $29,000 a year for one person or $60,000 for a family of four)
- A resident of Harris County
- Selected through a lottery system
But before any payments went out, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued to block the program, arguing that it was unconstitutional under Texas law. The Texas Supreme Court agreed, putting a hold on the program while they review the case.
Will the Payments Still Happen?
Harris County officials are trying to work around the legal issues by proposing changes—such as distributing the payments through debit cards that restrict how the money is spent (similar to food stamps).
However, there’s no clear timeline for when, or if, payments will resume. If you were expecting to receive money from this program, it’s best to keep checking official Harris County updates.
Watch Out for Stimulus Payment Scams
Whenever there’s news about stimulus checks, scammers aren’t far behind. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the IRS have both issued warnings about fake emails, texts, and phone calls claiming to offer extra stimulus money.
How to Spot a Scam
The IRS will never:
- Call, email, or text you about a stimulus payment
- Ask for your bank details or Social Security number
- Charge you a fee to “release” your stimulus check
If you get a message that sounds suspicious, ignore it and report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the IRS Identity Theft Center.
What Should You Do Now?
- Check if you qualify for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit—you might still be owed money!
- File your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025 to claim your check.
- Keep an eye on Harris County updates if you were waiting on the Uplift Harris payments.
- Be cautious of scams—never give out personal info unless you’re 100% sure it’s legitimate.
With everything getting more expensive, it’s important to take advantage of any money you’re entitled to. If you’re eligible for these payments, don’t wait—file your claim today and stay informed about financial assistance programs in Houston.
