If you have heard about the $600 Stimulus Check for Californians and are wondering if you are eligible, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we will explain in detail what the “Golden State Stimulus” is about and answer the most frequently asked questions about the stimulus checks for $600.
Click here for the $3,000 Child Tax Credit Payment from the 2021 Stimulus Bill.
What is the $600 California Golden State Stimulus?
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California state legislature announced a $9.6 billion spending deal in February 2021 to help those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This bill is also called the Golden Status Stimulus package.
California will provide the Golden Status Stimulus payment to families and people who qualify. This is a one-time $600 or $1,200 payment.
The Golden State Stimulus aims to:
- Support low-income Californians
- Help those facing hardship due to COVID-19
Who is eligible for the $600 Stimulus Check for Californians?
To be eligible for the Golden State Stimulus check, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have filed your 2020 taxes
- Be either:
– A California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) recipient
– An ITIN filer who made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI) - Be a California resident on the date payment is issued
- Be 18 years or older as of the last date of the tax year
- Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent
Here are the qualifications for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)
To qualify for CalEITC, you must:
- Have taxable earned income up to $30,000
- Not use “married/RDP filing separately” if married or RDP
- Live in California for more than half the year
- Meet all other qualifications
How Much will I receive in Stimulus Check for Californians?
If you meet the eligibility criteria above, here’s how much you are likely to receive:
You may receive either:
- A one-time $600 payment
- A one-time $1,200 payment
The payment will be by direct deposit or check in the mail per tax return.
Use the table below to determine your amount.
On your 2020 tax return… |
Stimulus amount |
| You are a CalEITC recipient | $600 |
| You: | |
| – Are a CalEITC recipient; – File with an ITIN; and – Made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI) |
$1,200 |
| You are not a CalEITC recipient, but you: | |
| – File with an ITIN and – Made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI) |
$600 |
| You file a joint return and: | |
| – At least one of you files with an ITIN – Made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI) |
$600 |
| You file a joint return and: | |
| – You are a CalEITC recipient – At least one of you files with an ITIN – Made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI) |
$1,200 |
When will the $600 Stimulus Check for Californians be sent?
Here’s the timeline for when you can expect to receive the $600 Stimulus Check for Californians:
First, if you are eligible, you have to file your 2020 tax returns.
Once your 2020 tax returns are processed and it is determined that you are eligible for the Golden State Stimulus payment, then here’s what will happen:
If you get your state tax refunds by direct deposit, then you can expect your stimulus payment within 45 days after your tax returns are processed.
On the other hand, if you get your tax refunds from the state by check, then you can expect your stimulus payment within 60 days after your tax returns are processed.
What can I do If I don’t Receive a California Stimulus Check?
If you are eligible for the Golden State Stimulus check but do not receive one, here’s what you can do:
Californians who qualify or think they may qualify for the Golden State stimulus payment first need to file their 2020 tax returns.
If you qualify for CalEITC, make sure you claim it on your return.
Once your 2020 tax return is processed, your Golden State stimulus payment will be sent according to how you get your tax refunds from the state.
$600 Stimulus Check for Californians Summary
Here’s the bottom line:
The state of California will provide the Golden Status Stimulus payment to families and people who qualify.
This is a one-time payment of either $600 or $1,200.
The goal is to support low-income Californians and also help those facing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
You must meet all the eligibility criteria to get a check, including:
- Have filed your 2020 taxes
- Be either:
– A California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) recipient
– An ITIN filer who made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI)
Your stimulus payments will be issued after you have filed your 2020 tax return and it is determined that you are eligible after your tax returns are processed.
If you are determined to be eligible, you will get a Direct Deposit within 45 days after your tax return is processed and within 60 days if you are getting a paper check.
The stimulus payment expires on November 15, 2021.
To make sure you receive your payment, file your 2020 tax returns by October 15, 2021.
Questions?
We hope this post on the $600 Stimulus Check for Californians was helpful.
If you have further questions about the Golden State Stimulus, CalFresh, or California EBT Card, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles about CalFresh and CalFresh EBT, including:
Restaurants that Take CalFresh in California
How to Apply for California P-EBT
California P-EBT Extension for 2020/2021
CalFresh Account Login Help
How much will I get in CalFresh in 2021?
February Extra Food Stamps Schedule
March Extra Food Stamps Schedule
