Many Americans are eagerly waiting for news about a possible $5,000 stimulus check from the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This proposed payment, also known as a “DOGE dividend,” has gained attention in recent months — but the final amount and official approval are still uncertain.
Businessman Elon Musk, who oversees DOGE, recently shared an important update that suggests the expected amount may be lower than initially planned. Here’s everything we know so far about this potential payment, who may benefit, and what steps still need to be completed.
What Is DOGE and What Is the $5,000 Stimulus Check?
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was formed to reduce federal government waste, fraud, and overspending. The idea behind DOGE is to return some of the savings to taxpayers as a type of stimulus payment or “dividend.”
Originally, supporters of the plan discussed a possible $5,000 payment per eligible taxpayer, funded by savings created through government cost-cutting measures.
New Updates: Savings May Lead to Lower Payouts
On April 10, 2025, Elon Musk announced that DOGE would save about $150 billion in the next fiscal year — a big drop from his earlier projection of $1 trillion in savings by May.
This updated figure means that instead of $5,000 per person, the expected amount could now be much less. Based on the $150 billion saved and 161 million taxpayers, the estimated savings equal about $931.68 per taxpayer — not $5,000.
These savings come from:
- Canceled government contracts
- Reducing fraud and unnecessary spending
- Cutting staff
- Selling unused government assets
- Lower interest payments
Has Congress Approved the Stimulus Yet?
No, as of now, there has been no official approval for a DOGE stimulus check from Congress. For any stimulus payment to happen, a formal bill must be introduced and passed by lawmakers.
That said, the idea is still very much under discussion. James Fishback, one of the main promoters of the plan, recently said in an interview with Chris Cuomo that “I really think it will happen.” He also claimed to have had positive meetings with lawmakers in Washington, as well as backing from President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council.
When Could These Stimulus Payments Arrive?
There is no official date yet for when — or even if — the DOGE stimulus payments will be issued. Since the proposal still requires Congressional approval, the process could take weeks or even months.
For now, interested citizens are advised to:
- Stay updated through official channels like fpds.gov
- Follow announcements from the U.S. Treasury and DOGE
- Be cautious of scams or false offers promising early access to funds
DOGE Has Published Only Partial Savings So Far
As of April 8, 2025, DOGE has publicly shared information on only about 30% of the $150 billion in savings, mostly from canceled grants and contracts. Full details are expected to be released gradually, with weekly updates on fpds.gov, although there may be a one-month delay in some data releases.