More CA Stimulus Checks Coming: What To Know

CALIFORNIA — An $8 billion expansion of Gov. Gavin Newsom's "Golden State Stimulus" was approved by both chambers of the state Legislature this week, which would mean payments for millions of taxpayers who were left out of the first round once Newsom signs the bill.

The second round of $600-plus checks would go to an estimated 11 million middle-income Californians, and another $500 would go to families with children. Those who made up to $75,000 last year would qualify for a payment. An additional rebate of $500 would go to many people living in the country without documentation.

It's important to note that the new stimulus would go only to residents who did not receive the first $600 payment: those who made $30,000 or less in 2020. Low-income residents who received the first $600 — or in some cases $1,200 — would not get a second $600 payment, a spokesperson for Newsom's office told Patch in May.

"However, those who got the first [stimulus] payment could potentially be eligible for the $500 payment if they are a qualified family (meet income requirements) with a dependent," Newsom's office said in an email to Patch in May. "There is also a $500 payment for [individual taxpayer identification number] filers."

With the addition of the second round of checks, two out of three Golden Staters will get a payment, state officials said.

California lawmakers passed a partial deal for the 2021 state budget this week, including the second round of stimulus checks. A final deal has not yet been reached between Newsom and the Legislature on the rest of the historic financial package.

It is unclear exactly when the second round of stimulus checks would go out, as Newsom still has to make them official with his signature.

"Hopefully, as soon as the governor signs the bill, I imagine checks will be cut in early July. So hopefully in the next few weeks. We know people really need the money," Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) said, according to KCRA.

Eligible Californians must also have filed their tax returns to get the payments.

"Californians who have not filed their 2020 taxes should know they may qualify for these funds, and we look forward to building on programs like this that invest in and support Californians in the months ahead," Newsom said in a statement with the state's Franchise Tax Board in May.

For those who already filed a tax return but didn't claim the California earned income tax credit, the state urged them to file an amended return.

The 2021 state budget, which was partially approved Monday, included a record amount of spending, with agreements to expand health care to undocumented people, fund solutions for homelessness and help Californians most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

"We’re investing that in the unprecedented challenges the state faces, including into addressing the needs of people that are working hard, playing by the rules and barely making ends meet," Newsom told reporters Friday.

The fiscal year begins Thursday and will be funded by a historic $262.6 billion that was bolstered by a $75.7 billion surplus and $27 billion in federal coronavirus aid.

"This time last year we announced a $54.3 billion projected shortfall. Today, we are announcing a projected $75.7 billion budget surplus," Newsom said at a news conference in Alameda County in May. "It's a remarkable turnaround. ... California is going to come roaring back."