For the past year and a half, California has been giving money to people to help with high prices, but over 600,000 haven’t gotten their share yet, given through bank deposits or special cards, with two more years to claim it.
Over 600,000 Californians Yet to Claim Middle-Class Tax Refund Despite Two-Year Extension
According to the published article by Fox 5 San Diego, California, for a year and a half now, the state has been giving money directly to millions of people to help with the high cost of living. But surprisingly, more than 600,000 folks haven’t even touched the money they’re supposed to get. This money called the Middle-Class Tax Refund or “inflation relief,” started going out in October 2022, through direct deposit or special debit cards. By September of the next year, they finished sending out all the payments.
Almost everyone in California who isn’t super rich could get some money to help with the rising prices. The amount varied, from $200 to $1,050. The tax board says they put about $4 billion straight into people’s bank accounts, but there were also about 9.6 million special debit cards sent out. Sadly, only 90% of these cards have been used, leaving around 624,000 cards untouched, with at least $125 million still on them. But people still have about two more years to use this money.
READ ALSO: $1.25 Billion In Unclaimed Inflation Relief: California’s Middle-Class Tax Refund Program Leaves 600,000 Beneficiaries In The Dark!
$4 Billion in Unclaimed Inflation Relief: Over 600,000 Californians Still Eligible for Unactivated Debit Cards (PHOTO: KTLA)
Californians Urged to Activate Debit Cards and Utilize Unspent Funds Before Program Expires in 2026
Furthermore, to get the money from the card, people need to call a special number to activate it. If someone loses their card or thinks it got stolen, they can call the same number to get a new one. Even though many cards have been activated, a lot of them still have money left on them. The tax board says less than half of the cards have been completely used. But remember, after April 30, 2026, the program will end, and any leftover money will be gone. So, it’s important for people to use this help before it’s too late.
READ ALSO: 1,000+ Detroit Residents Brave Long Lines: Frustration At IRS Office – 500 Receive Service, Many Left Disappointed
