California Stimulus Check Update: When Will It Come For Direct Deposits, Paper Checks?

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California stimulus payments for those who filed their taxes between March 2 and April 23 will be received beginning after May 1, the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) advises.

Recipients should allow up to two weeks after their tax returns have been processed for direct deposit stimulus payments to arrive and up to four to six weeks for paper checks, the FTB says.

Those who filed their taxes after April 23 should allow up to 45 days after their tax return has been processed for direct deposit payments and up to 60 days for paper checks.

"Typically, you'll receive this payment using the refund option you selected on your tax return. If you received an advanced refund through your tax service provider, or paid your tax preparation fees using your refund, you'll receive your payment by check in the mail," the FTB explains.

"Some payments may need extra time to process for accuracy and completeness,"

The state has been issuing stimulus payments—either $600 or $1,200 depending on your eligibility—to those who qualify for the Golden State Stimulus check from mid-April.

Residents who qualify for the California stimulus payment must file their 2020 tax return by no later than October 15 to ensure they receive their funds.

The FTB says: "We've expedited the delivery of your payment so you can receive it as quickly as possible. Allow 45 days beyond mailing time frames to allow for processing. If it's been over 45 days, contact us."

Track your payment status

The FTB says: "We schedule and issue stimulus payments twice a month after eligible 2020 tax returns are processed. Your stimulus payment will not be scheduled until your return is processed."

Residents can track their stimulus payment by checking the status of their tax return at the FTB website.

You'll need to know your Social Security number, zip code, exact refund amount and the numbers in your mailing address. For example, if your mailing address is 1234 Main Street, the numbers are 1234, the website advises.

Check your eligibility

To qualify to receive the Golden State Stimulus, you must meet the following eligibility requirements, as outlined by the FTB:

  • Have filed your 2020 tax return
  • Be either a CalEITC (California Earned Income Tax Credit) recipient or an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) tax filer who made $75,000 or less
  • Live in California for more than half of the 2020 tax year
  • Be a California resident on the date payment is issued
  • Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent

The FTB says: "You must include your ITIN on your tax return. Your ITIN cannot be pending. Wait to file your tax return until you have your ITIN. You are eligible for the GSS [Golden State Stimulus] if you file on or before October 15."

See the FTB website for more information on California stimulus payments.

Stimulus checks in Philadelphia in 2008
Stimulus checks being prepared for printing in May 2008 at the Philadelphia Financial Center in Pennsylvania. California stimulus payments for those who filed their taxes between March 2 and April 23 will be received beginning... Jeff Fusco/Getty Images

About the writer

Soo Kim is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. She covers various lifestyle stories, specializing in travel, health, home/interior design and property/real estate. Soo covered the COVID-19 pandemic extensively from 2020 to 2022, including several interviews with the chief medical advisor to the president, Dr. Anthony Fauci. Soo has reported on various major news events, including the Black Lives Matter movement, the U.S. Capitol riots, the war in Afghanistan, the U.S. and Canadian elections, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Soo is also a South Korea expert, covering the latest K-dramas—including the breakout hit Squid Game, which she has covered extensively, including from Seoul, the South Korean capital—as well as Korean films, such as the Golden Globe and Oscar-nominated Past Lives, and K-pop news, to interviews with the biggest Korean actors, such as Lee Jung-jae from Squid Game and Star Wars, and Korean directors, such as Golden Globe and Oscar nominee Celine Song. Soo is the author of the book How to Live Korean, which is available in 11 languages, and co-author of the book Hello, South Korea: Meet the Country Behind Hallyu. Before Newsweek, Soo was a travel reporter and commissioning editor for the award-winning travel section of The Daily Telegraph (a leading U.K. national newspaper) for nearly a decade from 2010, reporting on the latest in the travel industry, from travel news, consumer travel and aviation issues to major new openings and emerging destinations. Soo is a graduate of Binghamton University in New York and the journalism school of City University in London, where she earned a Masters in international journalism. You can get in touch with Soo by emailing s.kim@newsweek.com . Follow her on Instagram at @miss.soo.kim or X, formerly Twitter, at @MissSooKim .Languages spoken: English and Korean


Soo Kim is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. She covers various lifestyle stories, specializing in Read more