Life is getting more expensive for Californians. Rent, ration, electricity, water—the prices of everything have increased. In such a situation, it is difficult to get relief all at once.
But now in 2025, the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has introduced a new “ongoing” stimulus package: it will give $500 every month, $6,000 for the whole year, and an additional $350 per child monthly if there are up to two children in the family, that is, up to a total of $7,100.
This is a kind of “street smart help”, which will keep you getting cash at the beginning of the month, and you can easily handle regular expenses through it.
What is special this time?
Earlier stimulus checks used to come only once—but the new plan is different from this. This will be given monthly for a year, which will help you manage your expenses evenly, and you will get regular, managed support instead of a sudden bombshell.
Another big advantage is that it is non-taxable, which means it will not be added to your income tax—you will feel relieved to get it, without any financial headache.
Who will get what?
There are foolproof rules on the basis of which this money will be given. Let’s understand in detail:
Single
- Income cut-off: Up to $75,000 per annum
- Target: Students, freelancers, part-time workers, low and mid-income earners
Joint Filers
- Combined income cut-off: Up to $150,000
Head of Household (HOH)
- Cut-off: $112,500
- Example: A single mother running a household
In addition to these requirements, you must:
- Live in California for at least 6 months in 2024
- Live in California in 2025
- File your 2020 tax return on time (by 15 October, 2021)
- Have a Social Security number (SSN) or ITIN
If you have children, the benefit can increase even more—up to an additional $350/month for each child, for up to two children.
Who can apply?
- Those who are already enrolled in social programs like Social Security Disability (SSD), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Unemployment or CalFresh
- Gig Workers, freelance workers, self-employed—but they have to provide “proof of income”
They also get $500/month like common people and additional money for children.
How much you will get—see in a clear table
| Category / Self | Amount |
|---|---|
| Individual (Single) | $500 / month |
| Joint Filers | both $500–$1,000 / month |
| Head of Household (HOH) | $500 / month + $350 / month for children |
| Children (up to one child) | +$350 / month |
| Up to two children | +$700 / month |
| Total for the whole year | $6,000 (individual) + $8,400 (with two children) = $14,400/year |
How to apply?
In just 6 easy steps:
- Check eligibility
Have SSN/ITIN, residency criteria met, income target met, tax history clear - Visit FTB website
District: FTB.ca.gov
Application will start in the ‘2025 stimulus program’ section - Fill the online form
Personal information, bank details
Mandatory documents: College letter will also be accepted - Upload documents
Electricity-water bill / lease
ID card or driver’s license
Copy of 2020 tax return file
If you are a freelancer, then income proof will have to be given - Submit and wait
FTB will verify your details and start direct deposit
There will also be an option to send paper check, but it is slow - Check the account every month
If there is any change to be made like income increased or there is a change in the family – then tell FTB in time
How to use it correctly?
- The first $500–$1,200 of the month covers preparations such as rent, electricity, groceries
- Save smartly—keep a small amount in an “emergency/future fund”
- Keep receipts and records safe—there will be proof in case of any dispute
- Try to keep expenses in order, so that you do not make wrong decisions
Read more: DWP’s New Universal Credit Rule Could Slash £100 Weekly from Young Claimants
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the $500 taxable?
A: Absolutely not, it will not be added to the income tax.
Q: Will it depend on the eligibility of the demand?
A: No, if the qualification is complete, then every eligible person will get it.
Q: Will it not shock people?
A: No, its plan is ongoing—it will be estimated in advance.
Q: Whether the family has children or not, but if they have children later?
A: In such a case, you can update the FTB, and the bonus will be kept accordingly.
Q: Can gig workers also join?
A: Of course, they need a copy of their tax returns and household records.
What will be the benefit of this?
- The presence of monthly payments makes commuting comfortable
- The help of bank loans, emergency lending may be reduced
- Families with lower/higher income will get relief, especially single parents and freelancers
conclusion
If you are eligible, then this is the first time that California has brought a determined monthly relief package—a total of up to ₹45,000 (in Indian rupees) annually, plus ₹52,000 for children… that is, ₹1 lakh per annum structured support will continue to be available.
This is a long‑term solution, which you can use smartly in housing, groceries, utilities and unexpected expenses—to reduce financial stress and mental stress.
Overall, this move is a big effort by the California government to help people feel supported and financially secure over the long term.
If you’re eligible, visit the FTB website (FTB.ca.gov) now and apply right away.
