Anchor checks arrive on a schedule set by your state, not on demand

Anchor checks — the one-time payments some states sent to residents during inflation — came out on different dates depending on which state you lived in. Most states that ran Anchor programs sent checks between March and September 2023. The exact date your check arrived depended on your state's payment schedule, your income level, and sometimes the order in which the state processed applications.

If you received an Anchor check, it came from your state treasury, not from a federal office. States like Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, and others each set their own payment timeline. Some states sent all checks within a few weeks; others spread payments over several months to manage the volume.

Because these programs have already ended, new Anchor checks are not being issued. If you did not receive a check during your state's payment window and believe you were may have access to to one, you would need to contact your state's revenue or treasury department directly — not a federal agency.

Key Takeaways

  • Anchor checks were sent between March and September 2023, with each state setting its own payment dates.
  • Payment timing depended on your state, your income level, and when your process was processed.
  • These programs have ended, so no new Anchor checks are being issued.
  • If you think you should have received a check but did not, contact your state's revenue or treasury department with your process confirmation number.
  • Anchor checks were sent by mail or direct deposit, depending on the payment method you provided during registration.

How states scheduled Anchor payments

States that offered Anchor programs did not send all checks on the same day. Instead, they staggered payments over weeks or months. Some states prioritized applications that arrived first; others sorted by income level or household size. A few states sent checks in alphabetical order by last name.

Colorado, for example, began sending checks in March 2023 and continued through May. Connecticut spread its payments from April through June. Illinois sent checks in multiple batches starting in May. Each state published a payment schedule on its revenue department website, though those pages are no longer actively updated since the programs ended.

If you applied during your state's open window but received your check months later than you expected, the delay usually meant your process was still being processed when the first batch went out. States had to verify income, check for duplicates, and confirm residency before releasing funds.

Payment methods: mail versus direct deposit

Most states offered two ways to receive an Anchor check: by mail or by direct deposit to a bank account. Direct deposit was faster — usually arriving within one to two weeks of the state's payment date. Mailed checks took longer, sometimes three to four weeks depending on postal service delays.

When you registered for your state's Anchor program, you chose your payment method. If you selected direct deposit and provided your bank account number, the state deposited funds electronically. If you chose mail, the state printed and mailed a physical check to the address you listed on your process.

Some states required you to register online to receive a check at all. Others mailed checks automatically to residents who met income thresholds, without requiring registration. The process varied significantly by state.

Tracking a check that never arrived

If you registered for an Anchor program but never received a check, the first step is to confirm your state actually sent one in your name. Contact your state's revenue or treasury department — not a federal office — and have your process confirmation number ready. They can tell you whether a check was issued, when it was sent, and to which address or account.

If the state confirms a check was mailed but you never received it, you may be able to request a replacement. Some states issued replacement checks for lost or stolen mail; others required you to wait a set period before reissuing. If the state shows a direct deposit was sent, ask your bank to search your transaction history — sometimes deposits post under an unfamiliar name or reference number.

If the state has no record of issuing you a check, ask why. Common reasons include income that exceeded the limit, a duplicate process, or an process submitted after the program closed. Your state can explain which rule applied to your situation.

Why some people did not receive checks

Not everyone who lived in a state with an Anchor program received a check. Income limits were the most common reason. Most states set a maximum household income — often between $75,000 and $250,000 depending on family size — and rejected applications from households above that threshold.

Residency requirements also blocked some people. You typically had to have lived in the state for a full year before the program launched, or you had to be a resident on a specific date the state set. People who moved into the state after that date were not included.

Some people applied after their state's important date. Most Anchor programs closed to new applications after a set date, even if money remained in the fund. A few states reopened their programs later when additional federal funds became available, but most did not.

What to do if you think you were missed

If you believe you met your state's income and residency requirements but did not receive a check, contact your state's revenue or treasury department. Bring documentation: your tax return or pay stubs showing income, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your state ID. Ask them to review your may be able to access based on the rules that were in effect when the program ran.

Some states had appeal processes for people who were denied. These windows have closed for most programs, but it is worth asking whether your state still accepts appeals or whether it plans to reopen the program. A few states did issue additional payments months after the initial round.

If your state confirms you were ineligible, ask which rule disqualified you. Understanding why helps you know whether you might be included in any future relief programs your state launches.

Anchor programs by state and payment status

The following states ran Anchor programs and have completed all payments:

  • Colorado: Payments completed by May 2023.
  • Connecticut: Payments completed by June 2023.
  • Delaware: Payments completed by April 2023.
  • Illinois: Payments completed by July 2023.
  • Maryland: Payments completed by August 2023.
  • New Mexico: Payments completed by September 2023.
  • New York: Payments completed by August 2023.
  • Oregon: Payments completed by June 2023.
  • Rhode Island: Payments completed by May 2023.

Other states considered Anchor programs but did not launch them. If you lived in a state that did not run a program, no Anchor checks were issued there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still explore for an Anchor check?

No. All state Anchor programs have closed to new applications. The programs ran in 2023 and are no longer accepting registrations. If you missed the important date in your state, you cannot explore now. Contact your state's revenue department to confirm whether your state plans to reopen the program or launch a similar one.

What if I got a check but it was the wrong amount?

Contact your state's revenue or treasury department with your check number and process confirmation. They can review the calculation and tell you whether the amount was correct based on your income and household size. If an error occurred, ask whether the state will issue a corrected payment.

Do I have to report my Anchor check on my taxes?

Most Anchor checks were not taxable income, but the rules varied slightly by state. Check your state's tax guidance or contact your state revenue department to confirm. If you received a 1099 form related to your Anchor check, follow the instructions on that form when filing your taxes.

How long should I keep my Anchor check stub or confirmation?

Keep your confirmation number and any documentation of receipt for at least three years. If questions arise about whether you received a payment, you will need proof. If you received direct deposit, your bank statement serves as proof.

Will there be another Anchor program?

That depends on your state and future budget decisions. Some states have discussed additional relief programs, but no new Anchor programs have been announced. Check your state's revenue or treasury website periodically if you want to know about future programs.