California residents, rejoice! The state is offering another round of financial assistance in 2024 with the $1050 Golden State Stimulus Checks (GSS). This program aims to support Californians still grappling with the economic effects of the pandemic and rising costs of living.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the GSS program, including eligibility criteria, anticipated payment dates, and the application process.
Understanding the Golden State Stimulus Checks
The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) established the GSS program to help Californians recover from the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial round of stimulus checks was distributed in 2020, and the 2024 program reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to supporting its residents.
While the U.S. economy shows signs of recovery, the burden of rising living costs continues to strain low- and middle-income families. The GSS program targets these Californians by providing a one-time financial boost to help cover essential expenses and improve their overall well-being.
Who Qualifies for the $1050 Golden State Stimulus Checks?
The FTB has established clear eligibility criteria to ensure the GSS program reaches those who need it most. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements:
- California Residency: You must be a resident of California on the date the stimulus check is issued.
- Tax Filing History: You must have filed a California tax return for the previous year (2023). The deadline to file and be eligible for the 2024 GSS checks was October 15, 2023.
- Income Limits: Your income must fall below a specific threshold. Individual filers earning less than $75,000 annually qualify. For married couples filing jointly, the combined income limit is $150,000.
- Tax Dependency Status: You cannot be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer on their tax return.
- California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC): While not mandatory, filing for CalEITC can also qualify you for the GSS checks. The income threshold for CalEITC eligibility is a taxable earned income of up to $30,000.
- ITIN Filers: You can qualify for the GSS program even if you filed your taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number.
Important Note: The FTB has not yet released the official list of eligibility criteria. The information provided here is based on available details and may be subject to change. We recommend checking the FTB website for the latest updates on eligibility requirements closer to the distribution date.
How Does Your Income Affect Your GSS Check Amount?
The GSS program is designed to provide targeted support to low- and middle-income Californians. While everyone who meets the eligibility criteria will receive a check, the income you reported on your 2023 tax return may not directly affect the amount you receive. The GSS checks are set at a fixed amount of $1050 for all qualified individuals and couples meeting the income limits.
When Can You Expect to Receive Your Check?
The FTB has not yet announced the official payment dates for the 2024 GSS checks. However, the timing of your tax filing in 2023 can influence when you receive your stimulus check:
- Tax Return Filed Between January 1st and March 1st, 2023: You can expect your check to arrive sometime after April 15th, 2024, with a processing window of 2 to 6 weeks.
- Tax Return Filed Between March 2nd and April 23rd, 2023: You can expect your check to arrive sometime after May 1st, 2024, with a processing window of 2 to 6 weeks.
- Tax Return Filed After April 23rd, 2023: You can expect your check to arrive within 45 to 60 days of filing.
Stay Updated on Payment Dates: We will update this article with the official payment dates as soon as the FTB announces them.
Is There an Application Process for the Golden State Stimulus Checks?
Fortunately, there is no separate application process for the GSS program. The FTB will automatically distribute the checks to eligible Californians based on the information provided in their 2023 tax returns.