ABC 10 News San Diego: Why 3 million low-income Californians won’t get a gas rebate payment (July 12, 2022)

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — About 23 million Californians will get a payment from the state deposited into their bank account this fall between $200 and $1,050 to help offset the high cost of things like gas.

But lawmakers acknowledge several million low-income Californians who could use the money will be left out.

The payments are set to begin in late October. To qualify, residents must have filed a 2020 tax return. About three million Californians don’t earn enough money to owe taxes, so they aren’t required to file – including some seniors and disabled people.

“Great, tax rebates for middle-income folks. It’s going to be really appreciated. But we also need to make sure that we’re covering the people who are suffering the most right now,” said Trinh Phan, an attorney with Justice in Aging.