If you’re living in Oregon, you might have spotted a new plan called Measure 118 that could send eligible residents $1,600 every year. It sounds like a big deal—and it might be—but it’s not a federal check. Let’s break down what Measure 118 is, who qualifies, and whether you’ll see that money show up in your account.
What Is Measure 118?
- Measure 118 is a ballot measure that voters in Oregon approved in a recent election.
- It’s designed to provide annual cash payments to low and moderate-income residents.
- The state plans to collect money for this program through a new wealth tax on high-value assets owned by the very wealthy.
- The collected funds would be distributed as $1,600 checks per year to qualifying Oregon households.
Who Would Get the $1,600 Boost?
- Oregon residents with low to moderate incomes may qualify.
- The exact income cutoff isn’t finalized yet, but it will likely target families below a specific annual income threshold.
- This money aims to help with basic expenses like rent, food, or healthcare.
- People who file state income tax returns in Oregon will get considered automatically once rules are set.
When Could You Get the Money?
- The program depends on collecting enough money from the wealth tax.
- The state government needs to set up rules, systems, and tax collection processes.
- That process could take 12–18 months or longer.
- If everything moves quickly, the first payments might arrive in late 2026 or early 2027.
Important Things to Know
- Not a federal stimulus: This is a state-level program—Oregon only.
- Depends on revenue: If the wealth tax revenue falls short, payments may be lower than $1,600, delayed, or paused.
- Rules still pending: Many details, like who exactly qualifies and how state agencies will send money, are still under discussion.
- Eligible households only: Not everyone in Oregon will get checks—only those under the income threshold once it is finalized.
What Should You Do Now?
- Keep an eye on Oregon state government announcements for official updates.
- Make sure you file your Oregon tax returns on time when Measure 118 rules are clear.
- Watch for guidance from the Oregon Department of Revenue—that’s who will manage these payments.
Measure 118 offers a hopeful annual $1,600 cash boost to certain Oregon residents. It’s not federal money, but a state initiative funded by a wealth tax. While it could help many families, it’s still in planning and depends on revenue and legal steps. If you’re in Oregon and think you’ll qualify, stay alert for official word in the next year or two.
FAQs
Q1. Is this $1,600 boost a federal payment?
No—it’s a state program exclusive to Oregon.
Q2. When will payments start?
Likely in late 2026 or early 2027, depending on tax revenue and administrative setup.
Q3. Who gets the money?
Only Oregon residents with low or moderate incomes who submit a state tax return and meet income limits once rules are finalized.
Q4. What could stop payments?
If the wealth tax raises less money than expected or if there are legal or administration delays.
Q5. How will the money be sent?
Most likely by direct deposit or mailed check, based on information from your state tax filing.
