The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was tasked with finding and eliminating waste in the federal government. Former President Trump’s team proposed a “DOGE dividend,” suggesting 20% of DOGE savings could be returned to taxpayers as $5,000 stimulus checks.

So far, DOGE has reported $160 billion in savings — enough for about $993 per taxpayer.

The proposal would limit eligibility to:

• Those who pay federal income tax in 2024.

• Dependents claimed on 2024 taxes would not receive a payment.

Retirees receiving taxable Social Security benefits may also be eligible if they meet the tax payment criteria.

As of May 2, 2025, there is no law authorizing DOGE stimulus payments. Former President Trump’s campaign has mentioned the idea in emails to supporters and his campaign website mentions the proposal, but Congress has not passed any legislation to fund the checks.

Without congressional approval, the DOGE stimulus remains a campaign proposal — not an active government program.

Economic uncertainty has led to increased public interest in any potential relief programs. With concerns over inflation and the high cost of living, many Americans are interested in updates regarding possibilities for payments.

However, experts advise against placing strong reliance on campaign emails or unofficial sources for updates on government programs or benefits.

Key takeaways:

• The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was created to eliminate federal waste and return 20% of the savings to taxpayers as $5,000 stimulus checks.

• So far, DOGE has reported $160 billion in savings, which could translate to about $993 per taxpayer.

• To qualify for the DOGE check, taxpayers must pay federal income tax in 2024 and dependents claimed on 2024 taxes would not receive a payment.

• Additionally, retirees receiving taxable Social Security benefits may also be eligible if they meet the tax payment criteria.

• As of May 2, 2025, the DOGE stimulus has not been approved yet and there is no law authorizing the payments.

• The possibility of the stimulus checks is still being discussed and it remains a campaign proposal.

Stay tuned to FingerLakes1.com for the latest stimulus news and government updates.