For information on the third coronavirus relief package, please visit our “American Rescue Plan: What Does it Mean for You and a Third Stimulus Check” blog post.
Key Takeaways
- To help with COVID-19 hardships, you can receive a cash payment of $600-$1200 from the California Golden State Stimulus if you're eligible.
- Your eligibility was determined by your 2020 tax return, and you were required to file by October 15, 2021, to get the payment.
- You were eligible if you received the CalEITC, had an ITIN with an adjusted gross income under $75,000, or were in programs like CalWORKS.
- The stimulus payment was separate from your state tax refund and could be received via direct deposit or check.
California has signed the Golden State Stimulus, which includes $600-$1200 cash payments to eligible residents.
Eligibility is based on your 2020 tax return (the one you file in 2021). You will need to file your 2020 California state tax return by October 15, 2021 in order to receive your California stimulus check.
Use the below guide to learn more:
Am I eligible for the California Stimulus?
You should be eligible for the Golden State Stimulus, if you are a California resident and:
- You received the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) on your your 2020 tax return
- You have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) and have an adjusted gross income less than $75,000
- Your household is enrolled in the CalWORKS program, or are a recipient of SSI/SSP, or are enrolled in the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants
Those who both received the CalEITC and have an ITIN with an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000 will receive a $1,200 payment.
The CalEITC is a credit for low to moderate income individuals and families. Californians that earn $30,000 or less annually may be eligible for the CalEITC.
What do I need to do to get my stimulus?
Eligibility is based on your 2020 tax return (the one you file in 2021), so you will need to file your taxes to get your stimulus payment.
You will need to file your 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021 to get your California stimulus check.
The stimulus payment will expire on November 15, 2021.
TurboTax Tip:
Payments started in March 2021, with direct deposits taking up to 45 days and checks up to 60 days after your tax return was processed.
When will I get my California stimulus check?
Stimulus payments will be issued on a monthly basis after your 2020 tax return is processed. According to the California Franchise Tax Board, payments are expected to begin in March 2021 and could take:
- Direct deposits: up to 45 days
- Paper checks: up to 60 days
How will I receive a California stimulus check?
Payments will be issued separately from your individual state tax refund or CalEITC either via direct deposit or check.