You could qualify for up to $1,000 this summer—here’s who’s eligible and how to claim it
By
Veronica E.
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With prices rising on groceries, gas, and everyday essentials, many Americans are searching for ways to stretch their budgets a little further this summer.
Whether you’re on a fixed income, supporting a family, or simply trying to stay ahead of monthly bills, any extra help can go a long way.
The good news? Some residents may be eligible for up to $1,000 in direct payments—automatically deposited into your account if you meet a few basic requirements.
No applications, no extra steps—just money that could offer a welcome boost during these challenging times.
It’s part of a growing effort to provide meaningful support to residents feeling the squeeze this year, and it’s worth checking to see if you qualify.

What’s the $1,000 payment for?
This isn’t a lottery or a federal handout—it’s part of a $500 million relief effort from the state of New Mexico aimed at helping residents deal with the continued effects of inflation and rising living costs.
According to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the initiative is designed to make sure the state’s economic progress benefits everyday people.
Also read: Extra cash incoming? Here’s who may qualify for monthly payments of $500
Who qualifies? Here are the 3 main requirements
To receive this payment, you must meet all three of the following conditions:
If you meet those requirements, you don’t need to apply—the payment will be issued automatically.
Also read: Is $400 in inflation relief coming your way? Here’s what you should know
How much will you get?
Whether you use it to pay bills, buy groceries, or take care of overdue repairs, it’s money that can make a difference!
When will the payments arrive?
Payments began going out in April 2025, and most are expected to be completed by June.
If you have direct deposit set up, you’ll likely see the funds in your bank account first.
Those without banking information on file will receive a check in the mail.
If you haven’t received yours yet, don’t panic—it may still be in process.
You can check the status through the New Mexico Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) at tax.newmexico.gov.
Also read: This "IRS $1,400 rebate" text could be a trap—here’s how to spot and avoid the latest scam!
Haven’t filed your taxes yet?
There’s still time.
You have until May 31, 2025 to file your 2024 New Mexico return and claim the payment.
More relief for agricultural producers
New Mexico isn’t the only place where financial support is being offered.
Across the country, the USDA is distributing one-time payments under the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP).
These are aimed at helping farmers and producers manage rising costs and declining prices.
To qualify, you must:
The deadline for submitting these forms is August 15, 2025. More information is available on the FSA website.
Also read: There’s no new $800 check coming—but here’s what help is still on the table
How are Americans using their refunds and relief payments?
According to a recent survey of 2,000 taxpayers, most Americans are using their refunds and extra payments for essential needs.
Here’s how the money is being spent:
This year’s average refund is over $2,300—a notable increase from last year’s $1,700. And for many households, it’s a critical part of their yearly budget.
Also read: Could you qualify for a $1,000 “emergency” bonus? This $2 million plan is gaining momentum
Why are refunds up?
Several factors contributed to the increase, including:
Those who saw smaller refunds often pointed to job loss, changes in dependents, or entering a higher tax bracket.
How are people feeling about their refunds?
In a bit of good news, 62% of Americans said they felt happy or pleasantly surprised by the amount of their refund—up from just 40% last year.
That boost in optimism is a reminder that even modest financial relief can have a big emotional impact.
What you can do now
Read next: You could be owed money from a recent $32 million settlement—see if you qualify
Are you expecting a rebate this summer? How do you plan to use it? Have you noticed a difference in your refund this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your experience might help someone else!
Whether you’re on a fixed income, supporting a family, or simply trying to stay ahead of monthly bills, any extra help can go a long way.
The good news? Some residents may be eligible for up to $1,000 in direct payments—automatically deposited into your account if you meet a few basic requirements.
No applications, no extra steps—just money that could offer a welcome boost during these challenging times.
It’s part of a growing effort to provide meaningful support to residents feeling the squeeze this year, and it’s worth checking to see if you qualify.

Eligible residents could receive up to $1,000 in direct payments this summer—offering much-needed relief as living costs continue to rise. Image Source: Pexels / Pixabay.
What’s the $1,000 payment for?
This isn’t a lottery or a federal handout—it’s part of a $500 million relief effort from the state of New Mexico aimed at helping residents deal with the continued effects of inflation and rising living costs.
According to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the initiative is designed to make sure the state’s economic progress benefits everyday people.
Also read: Extra cash incoming? Here’s who may qualify for monthly payments of $500
Who qualifies? Here are the 3 main requirements
To receive this payment, you must meet all three of the following conditions:
- You filed a 2024 New Mexico state tax return. You don’t need to owe taxes—you just need to have filed.
- You lived in New Mexico for all of 2024.
- You weren’t claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
If you meet those requirements, you don’t need to apply—the payment will be issued automatically.
Also read: Is $400 in inflation relief coming your way? Here’s what you should know
How much will you get?
- $500 for single filers
- $1,000 for joint filers and heads of household
Whether you use it to pay bills, buy groceries, or take care of overdue repairs, it’s money that can make a difference!
When will the payments arrive?
Payments began going out in April 2025, and most are expected to be completed by June.
If you have direct deposit set up, you’ll likely see the funds in your bank account first.
Those without banking information on file will receive a check in the mail.
If you haven’t received yours yet, don’t panic—it may still be in process.
You can check the status through the New Mexico Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) at tax.newmexico.gov.
Also read: This "IRS $1,400 rebate" text could be a trap—here’s how to spot and avoid the latest scam!
Haven’t filed your taxes yet?
There’s still time.
You have until May 31, 2025 to file your 2024 New Mexico return and claim the payment.
More relief for agricultural producers
New Mexico isn’t the only place where financial support is being offered.
Across the country, the USDA is distributing one-time payments under the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP).
These are aimed at helping farmers and producers manage rising costs and declining prices.
To qualify, you must:
- Track input costs for eligible crops
- Submit a Report of Acreage (FSA-578) for all crops planted in 2024
- Report any prevented planting with a Notice of Loss (CCC-576) if needed
The deadline for submitting these forms is August 15, 2025. More information is available on the FSA website.
Also read: There’s no new $800 check coming—but here’s what help is still on the table
How are Americans using their refunds and relief payments?
According to a recent survey of 2,000 taxpayers, most Americans are using their refunds and extra payments for essential needs.
Here’s how the money is being spent:
- Rent and bills: 58%
- Groceries: 48%
- Paying down credit card debt: 29%
- Home repairs: 13%
This year’s average refund is over $2,300—a notable increase from last year’s $1,700. And for many households, it’s a critical part of their yearly budget.
Also read: Could you qualify for a $1,000 “emergency” bonus? This $2 million plan is gaining momentum
Why are refunds up?
Several factors contributed to the increase, including:
- Working more hours or jobs (37%)
- Adjusting tax withholdings (31%)
- Receiving raises or promotions (16%)
Those who saw smaller refunds often pointed to job loss, changes in dependents, or entering a higher tax bracket.
How are people feeling about their refunds?
In a bit of good news, 62% of Americans said they felt happy or pleasantly surprised by the amount of their refund—up from just 40% last year.
That boost in optimism is a reminder that even modest financial relief can have a big emotional impact.
What you can do now
- Double-check your eligibility: Make sure you filed your state return and aren’t listed as a dependent.
- Track your payment: Visit the New Mexico TAP portal to see if your rebate is on the way.
- Use it wisely: Whether you need to catch up on essentials or want to treat yourself, plan how this payment can help support your goals.
Read next: You could be owed money from a recent $32 million settlement—see if you qualify
Key Takeaways
- Eligible New Mexico residents will automatically receive direct payments of up to $1,000 if they filed a 2024 state return, lived in NM all year, and aren’t claimed as a dependent.
- Payments are being sent in batches, with most arriving by June 2025. Direct deposit is prioritized, but paper checks will also be mailed. Deadline to file and claim is May 31, 2025.
- The USDA is offering one-time ECAP payments to qualifying agricultural producers. Required paperwork must be submitted by August 15, 2025.
- A survey found most Americans are using tax refunds for essential expenses, with average refunds up to $2,300 in 2025 and more people reporting satisfaction with their refund.
Are you expecting a rebate this summer? How do you plan to use it? Have you noticed a difference in your refund this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your experience might help someone else!