As stimulus programs continue across the United States, several states are distributing financial support to residents next month. From property tax relief to guaranteed income pilots and statewide dividends, New York, California, and Alaska will be issuing September 2025 stimulus payments to help families manage living costs.
New York: School Tax Relief (STAR) Program
New York’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program provides property tax relief to homeowners and seniors. According to a press release, eligible participants with incomes below $500,000 will receive checks ranging from $350 to $600, while senior homeowners with incomes below $107,300 may qualify for $700 to $1,500 under the Enhanced STAR benefit.
“The STAR program delivers welcome tax relief, and we want every eligible homeowner to take advantage of it,” said Amanda Hiller, acting commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, per the release. “If you’re a new homeowner, or you are currently not receiving a STAR benefit on your primary residence, check out the Tax Department’s website to see how you can enroll and start saving.”
The program offers two forms of support: a state-issued credit or, in some cases, a property tax exemption through local governments, per the department’s website. Benefits began rolling out this summer and will continue statewide through the fall. According to the release, nearly 3 million residents are expected to benefit in 2025, with $2.2 billion returned to New Yorkers.
California: Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP)
A number of families in Sacramento County, CA, will receive $725 per month through the Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP), funded by a state block grant from the California Department of Social Services, according to the Economic Times.
The program is designed to provide parents and legal guardians of young children with a reliable source of income, helping to stabilize households, prevent foster care placements, and address racial inequities in the child welfare system.
Although applications have closed, according to the FFESP website, eligible participants must meet the following requirements:
- Parent or Legal Guardian: Must care for a child ages 0–5 who lives with them at least 50% of the time.
- Residency: Must live full-time in one of these ZIP codes: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, or 95838.
- Income: Annual household income must be less than 200% of the federal poverty line (FPL), based on total household wages before taxes (excluding government benefits).
The assistance is provided to 200 randomly selected families residing in the above mentioned zip codes. Participants can receive payments via debit card or direct deposit, per the Economic Times.
Alaska: Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
In Alaska, residents will receive the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) payment of $1,702 on Sept. 11, as AFROTECH previously reported. Funded by the state’s oil industry profits, the program has been in place since 1976 to provide annual financial support to eligible residents, with the first checks issued in 1982, according to the Alaska Department of Revenue.
To qualify, residents must have lived in Alaska throughout 2024 with the intent to remain, not have claimed residency elsewhere, and meet certain legal and absence requirements. The PFD offers a significant boost to household finances across the state.
Additional opportunities to receive payment may be available in later months based on time of application.
Key Takeaway: Stimulus Payments September 2025
In September 2025, New York, California, and Alaska will issue checks through their respective programs. Each program has specific eligibility rules, but all aim to provide direct financial support to residents and help families manage everyday costs.
