A bill is floating around Congress that would give Americans rebate checks—similar to pandemic stimulus checks—to help offset the cost of tariffs.
The current version of the bill, which is in early stages and hasn’t been voted on yet, would distribute “at least” $600 to each adult and dependent child, or $2,400 for a family of four, depending on income. Provisions of the bill advocate for higher payments if tariff revenues prove higher than expected.
Details of the Bill
The bill, called the “American Worker Rebate Act of 2025,” would help Americans settle in as tariffs bring financial uncertainty. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the bill to tamper the inflationary impact of Trump’s tariffs, similar to the 2020 stimulus check payments.
The bill contains language that suggests payments could be higher than $600 depending on tariff revenues. There would be limitations on who is eligible for the rebates, however: checks would be reduced for married couples making over $150,000, or individuals making over $112,500.
To be passed, the bill must first be approved by the Senate and the House before reaching President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
Hawley’s bill faces obstacles, with opposition in the Republican-majority Senate, who argue the country is already operating on a deficit that the rebates could further exacerbate.
Economists at the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan tax policy nonprofit, have also expressed concern over the checks’ actual impact, stating that the checks are a short-term Band-Aid that would only add to national debt and risk inflation—and that the best way to provide relief would be to repeal the tariffs.
How To Maximize a Potential Rebate Check
Even if the future of the tariff rebate checks is uncertain for now, consumers should still think about how to make the most out of them, if they come to fruition.
A few ways to maximize the potential tariff rebate checks include:
- Pay down any high-interest debt: Debt consolidation, or the use of a 0% APR credit card, is a great strategy to save money on interest charges and give yourself some breathing room while working on paying off your balance.
- Build a rainy-day fund, with a little something extra: Put the funds in a high-yield savings account or a certificate of deposit to accrue interest. Both accounts earn much higher yield than typical savings accounts and can help your money fight inflation.
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