When you can expect a $600 California stimulus check

California's Golden State Stimulus payments began going out this week for eligible people in the state who have already filed their tax returns.

from KCRA Channel 3 New - Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

California's Golden State Stimulus payments began going out this week for eligible people in the state who have already filed their tax returns.

About 5.7 million people qualify for the $600 payments aimed at low-income Californians. The money comes from a bill that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law earlier this year.

Here's what you should know about the $600 stimulus payments.

When will I receive a $600 California stimulus payment?

If you filed your 2020 tax return between Jan. 1 and March 1, 2021, those payments began to go out on April 15, according to the Franchise Tax Board. Those receiving a paper check by mail should expect to get them in four to six weeks.

Those who file their returns on or after March 2, can check this website for expected wait times.

In general, those who have direct deposit can expect their stimulus payments within 45 days. The timeframe changes to within 60 days for those receiving paper checks, according to California’s Franchise Tax Board.

How do I know if I qualify for the Golden State stimulus payments?

Those who qualify must have filed their 2020 taxes, lived in California for more than half of the 2020 tax year, be a resident of the state on the date the payment is issued, and not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent.

There are also income restrictions. Eligible Californians must either be a CalEITC recipient ($30,000 a year or less) or an ITIN filer who made $75,000 or less.

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En español: Estímulo Golden State

What is CalEITC and ITIN?

In general, those who claim California’s earned income tax credit earn $30,000 a year or less.

People who use an individual taxpayer identification number to file their income taxes are mostly those who don’t have Social Security numbers, including immigrants.

Some people fit both of those categories because they are a CalEITC recipient, filed their tax return with an ITIN and made $75,000 or less. In those cases, they will get a $1,200 stimulus payment, not $600.

The Democratic-controlled state legislature did this because most people who file their taxes this way were not eligible for federal stimulus checks Congress approved last year.

Is this different from the Golden State Grant Program?

The Golden State Grant Program is separate from the Golden State Stimulus. Participants of CalWORKs and recipients of other benefits may qualify for the one-time $600 Golden State Grant Program payment. Residents who qualify could get money from both this grant and the Golden State Stimulus.

Is there a deadline to get the stimulus payment?

The state says that to make sure to receive the payment you must file your 2020 tax return by Oct. 15, 2021.What if I filed my taxes but didn’t claim CalEITC even though I’m eligible?

You should amend your 2020 return, the state says.

I'm still confused. Where can I find out more information?

The Franchise Tax Board lists contact information here. The website also has answers to common questions from those who believe they qualify but didn't receive a payment, are incarcerated but eligible for the payments, and other situations.

You can also call 800-852-5711 or chat online here during business hours.

--The Associated Press contributed to this story.