December 2025 is wrapping up, and online searches for the $1,702 stimulus payment are surging as folks hunt for holiday relief amid 2.8% inflation on food and heat. Viral posts promise a federal IRS deposit hitting accounts by mid-month – but the truth? No nationwide $1,702 stimulus payment is coming from the government. The number traces back to Alaska’s 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), a state oil-royalty payout of $1,702 per eligible resident, with most checks cleared by November 20, 2025. Federal COVID aid? Done by April 15, 2025. Trump’s $2,000 tariff rebate? A 2026 proposal at best. Upside: States like New York and Pennsylvania are still issuing rebates up to $1,000 into December, stackable for bigger wins. With $72 billion unclaimed aid floating around, this guide (updated December 4, 2025) sorts eligibility myths, true schedules, and tracking tips. Your end-of-year boost might be real after all.
Unraveling the $1,702 Stimulus Payment Myth: Federal Zero, State Stars in December 2025
The $1,702 stimulus payment viral storm mixes Alaska’s real 2024 PFD with scam bait. Alaska’s program, born in 1982 from oil riches, shares fund earnings – $83 billion pot as of August 2025 – with residents. For 2024 (paid 2025), it hit $1,702; 2025’s is just $1,000 due to budget tweaks. No federal tie – IRS wrapped unclaimed $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credits (RRC) in January 2025. IRS warns: Scams prey on this – no unsolicited links or SSN shares.
States step up with inflation rebates from surpluses. New York’s one-time checks? Up to $500 for 2025. Pennsylvania’s property rebates? $1,000 max for seniors by December 31.
Myth vs. Reality Quick Guide
- Myth: IRS sends $1,702 to all by December 15.
- Reality: Alaska’s 2024 PFD done; 2025 at $1,000. States like NY offer $300-500 now.
Who Qualifies for $1,702 Stimulus Payment – Or December 2025 Equivalents?
No universal fed qualifier. Alaska’s 2024 PFD needed full 2024 residency, no felonies, application by March 31, 2025. For 2025 PFD ($1,000): Same, plus 72 hours presence in 2023/2024. States vary: Income caps, tax filing. Non-filers? Free 2024 return under $79K.
| Program | Who Qualifies | Max Amount | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska 2024 PFD ($1,702 – Paid) | Full 2024 AK resident; no felonies; applied by March 31, 2025 | $1,702 flat (all ages) | 600K+ received; no income test |
| Alaska 2025 PFD ($1,000) | Full 2024 AK resident; 72 hrs presence 2023/2024; applied by March 31 | $1,000 flat | Ongoing residuals; kids included |
| New York Inflation Rebate | Filed 2023 NY taxes; household <$150K | $300-$500 | Seniors/disabled priority; NY resident |
| Pennsylvania Property/Rent Rebate | 65+ or disabled 50+; income limits | Up to $1,000 | Apply by Dec 31, 2025; funds limited |
| Colorado TABOR Refund | Filed 2024 CO taxes; any CO income | Avg $800 | Part-year prorated; surplus-funded |
NY + PA? Nears $1,500. High earners? Alaska’s open to all.
$1,702 Stimulus Payment Schedule: When December Drops Happen (No Fed Wave)
Alaska’s 2024 PFD? Mostly done by November; residuals into January 2026. 2025 PFD ($1,000): Started October, continues. Deposits: 1-2 days; checks: 7-10 (holiday mail delays).
Alaska PFD Timelines (2024 & 2025)
- 2024 PFD ($1,702): Sept 11-Oct 23 main; Nov 20 residuals.
Other State December Schedules
File now for quick hits.
| State | Payment Window | Method | Dec 4 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska 2025 PFD ($1,000) | Residuals thru Jan 15, 2026 | Deposit/check | 90%+ issued; late apps by Dec 18 |
| New York Rebate | Nov 25-Dec 20, 2025 | Check/deposit | Seniors by Dec 10; weekly |
| Pennsylvania Property Rebate | Dec 2025-Jan 2026 | Check/deposit | Apply by Dec 31; high demand |
| Colorado TABOR | Dec 1-31, 2025 | Refund/deposit | 2024 taxes trigger |
How to Track Your $1,702 Stimulus Payment – Or Real December Aid (Scam Alert)
No IRS tool for feds – states handle it. Official sites only; no fees. 5 steps, 15 mins:
- Confirm Fit: Search “[State] rebate 2025” or revenue site (e.g., pfd.alaska.gov). Use quizzes.
- Prep Info: 2023/2024 taxes, SSN, bank details. Low income? Free File aids.
- Apply/File: E-file return – auto for many. Alaska? myPFD portal.
- Opt Direct: Add routing/account for speed.
- Track It: State apps/portals (e.g., IRS “Get My Payment” for taxes). 2-4 weeks wait; call if late (e.g., 800-829-1040 IRS). Scams? FTC.gov – no texts demand info.
Help: 211.org or VITA. Alaska residuals? Check status now.
Layer December Wins: Stack to $1,700+ Beyond the $1,702 Stimulus Payment
States deliver, but add: SS COLA (2.8%, +$56 avg Jan 2026); LIHEAP ($200-1,000 heating, benefits.gov); EITC ($7,830 max 2025 taxes). Tariff? $2,000 2026 possible. SNAP? Grocery aid low-income.
The $1,702 stimulus payment December? Hype from Alaska’s past payout – but states offer real relief now. Deadlines near; check today – fund the finale. State Q? Comment below. Wise waits win!