What Is This $1,702 Payment?
There’s been a lot of buzz about a $1,702 stimulus payment hitting bank accounts in August 2025, but it’s not what many think. This isn’t a new federal stimulus check for all Americans like the ones sent during the pandemic. Instead, it’s part of Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program, a unique state initiative that shares oil revenue with residents every year. In 2025, about 600,000 eligible Alaskans will get $1,702 to help with rising costs like groceries, gas, and heating. This payment combines a base dividend of $1,403.83 and an energy relief bonus of $298.17, making it a big help for families facing tough economic times.
Who Can Get the Payment?
Not everyone in the U.S. qualifies for this payment—it’s only for Alaska residents who meet strict rules. You must have lived in Alaska for all of 2024 and plan to stay there permanently. You can’t claim residency in another state or country, and you must have been in Alaska for at least 72 hours during 2023 or 2024. People with certain felony convictions or those incarcerated in 2024 are not eligible. The application window for 2025 closed on March 31, 2025, so only those who applied on time can get the payment. If you’re unsure about your status, check the official PFD website at pfd.alaska.gov.
Payment Schedule for 2025
Alaska sends out PFD payments in batches, and August 2025 is a key date for many. If your 2024 or earlier application is marked “Eligible – Unpaid” by August 13, 2025, you’ll get your $1,702 on August 21, 2025. Direct deposits hit bank accounts faster, usually within days, while paper checks can take a week or two longer. Here’s the full 2025 payment schedule for clarity:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| June 18, 2025 | Payments for applications “Eligible – Unpaid” by June 11 |
| July 17, 2025 | Payments for applications “Eligible – Unpaid” by July 9 |
| August 21, 2025 | Payments for applications “Eligible – Unpaid” by August 13 |
| September 11, 2025 | Payments for applications “Eligible – Unpaid” by September 3 |
| October 2, 2025 | Payments for applications “Eligible – Unpaid” by September 18 |
| October 23, 2025 | Payments for applications “Eligible – Unpaid” by October 13 |
Make sure your banking details are up to date on the myPFD portal to avoid delays.
How to Check Your Payment Status
Wondering if your payment is on the way? The easiest way is to log into the myPFD section on pfd.alaska.gov using your myAlaska account. This shows if your application is approved or if there’s an issue, like a wrong address or outdated bank info. Small mistakes can hold up your payment for weeks, so double-check everything. If your status says “Paid” but you haven’t seen the money, contact the Alaska Department of Revenue’s Permanent Fund Division right away. They can help sort out problems like missing deposits or lost checks.
Why This Payment Matters
The $1,702 payment is a lifeline for many Alaskans, especially in rural areas where heating and fuel costs are sky-high. Unlike federal stimulus checks, which ended in 2021, the PFD is an annual tradition that’s been running since the 1980s. It’s funded by Alaska’s oil wealth, managed through the Alaska Permanent Fund, which is worth over $81 billion. This year’s payment is higher than 2024’s $1,312, giving families extra cash for essentials like bills, school supplies, or savings. However, the payment is taxable at the federal level, so plan to report it on your 2025 tax return. A tax advisor can help you figure out how it affects your taxes.
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No Federal Stimulus for Everyone
Some headlines have caused confusion, claiming a $1,702 stimulus is coming for all Americans. That’s not true. The IRS has confirmed that pandemic-era federal stimulus payments are done, and the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit deadline passed on April 15, 2025. The $1,702 payment is only for eligible Alaskans through the PFD program. turbopower.com. Always check official sources like IRS.gov or pfd.alaska.gov to avoid scams or misinformation. If you’re not in Alaska, don’t fall for viral posts promising a nationwide payment—they’re often misleading.
Other State Relief Programs
While Alaska’s PFD is unique, other states are offering help too. New York’s STAR program gives homeowners up to $1,500 in school tax relief, with payments starting in August or September for some. California’s Sacramento Family First pilot program pays $725 monthly to 200 low-income families until November 2025. These programs have their own rules and timelines, so check your state’s revenue department website for details. For Alaskans, the PFD remains a key support, and staying on top of your application ensures you get your $1,702 on time.