In 2025, while many Americans are eager for a new round of federal stimulus checks, the IRS is not issuing a fresh national stimulus payment. However, residents of Alaska are set to receive a significant annual payout of $1,702 through the state’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program. Additionally, the IRS continues to send Recovery Rebate Credit payments to some taxpayers who missed out on earlier stimulus funds.
Here’s everything you need to know about the $1,702 Alaska dividend, eligibility criteria, payment timelines, and related IRS payments this year.
What is the $1,702 Payment?
The $1,702 payment in 2025 is not a federal stimulus check but rather Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). This unique program distributes a portion of the state’s oil revenue to qualifying residents annually. The 2025 dividend combines the base payment with an additional energy relief component, reflecting ongoing efforts to ease cost-of-living pressures in Alaska.
Who is Eligible for the Alaska PFD?
Eligibility for the 2025 Permanent Fund Dividend includes the following criteria:
- Residency: Must have been an Alaska resident for the entire calendar year 2024.
- Intent: Must intend to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely.
- Physical Presence: Must have been physically present in Alaska for at least 72 hours during 2023 or 2024.
- Absences: Extended absences over 180 days are only allowed for specific approved reasons such as military service, education, or medical treatment.
- Legal Standing: Individuals with felony convictions or multiple misdemeanors in 2024 are disqualified.
- Application: Eligible residents needed to apply by the March 31, 2025 deadline to receive the payout.
Residents who meet these conditions can expect to receive their dividend either by direct deposit or, if no direct deposit information is available, via mailed paper checks or prepaid debit cards.
Alaska PFD Payment Schedule for 2025
The Alaska Department of Revenue has released the payment schedule to manage the dividend distribution:
- March 20, 2025: Payments issued for applications updated by March 12, 2025.
- April 17, 2025: Payments for applications updated by April 9, 2025.
- May 15, 2025: Payments for applications updated by May 7, 2025.
- June 18, 2025: Payments for applications updated by June 11, 2025.
Applicants who submit their paperwork later may receive payments in subsequent batches, but missing the March 31 deadline may forfeit eligibility for the year.
What About Federal Stimulus Payments in 2025?
Unlike the state-specific Alaska dividend, the IRS is not issuing any new federal stimulus checks in 2025. The last major federal stimulus payments were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including payments of $1,200, $600, and $1,400 for eligible Americans in previous years.
However, the IRS is continuing to distribute Recovery Rebate Credit payments to certain taxpayers who missed claiming stimulus funds on their 2021 tax returns. About 1 million taxpayers nationwide are expected to receive these payments automatically in early 2025.
Who Qualifies for Recovery Rebate Credit Payments?
The Recovery Rebate Credit allows eligible taxpayers to claim missed stimulus payments on their tax returns. For 2025 distributions, eligibility requires:
- Filing a 2021 tax return (or amended return) before the IRS deadline.
- Not having claimed the credit on their 2021 return.
- Meeting income limits: single filers with incomes under $80,000, married couples filing jointly under $160,000, and heads of household under $112,500 qualify for full payments.
- Meeting other IRS criteria for eligibility based on prior stimulus rounds.
The IRS is processing these payments via direct deposit or paper check, depending on the taxpayer’s 2023 tax return information.
How to Check Your Payment Status?
Taxpayers can monitor the status of their Recovery Rebate Credit payment and other IRS disbursements using the official IRS “Get My Payment” tool available at
Alaska residents can check their PFD application status or payment details at the official Alaska Department of Revenue website.
Important: Beware of Scams
Both federal and state programs urge caution regarding scams related to stimulus and dividend payments. The IRS never contacts taxpayers by phone, email, or text message asking for personal information or payment to release stimulus funds. Alaska’s PFD program also warns against fraudulent calls or messages.
To avoid fraud, always verify any payment information through official government websites:
- IRS: www.irs.gov
- Alaska PFD: pfd.alaska.gov
Final Thoughts
While a new $1,702 federal stimulus check is not on the horizon, Alaskans benefit from a unique yearly payout designed to share the state’s natural resource wealth. For others across the country, missed stimulus payments may still be coming in the form of Recovery Rebate Credits.
If you believe you qualify for any payments or credits, check your tax filings carefully, meet deadlines, and stay informed through official sources.
