December 2025 is here, and the buzz about a $1,702 stimulus payment is everywhere – from TikTok videos to email scams promising quick IRS cash amid 2.8% grocery hikes and winter utility spikes. But let’s bust the bubble: There’s no federal $1,702 check coming to everyone’s account this month. The number? It’s straight from Alaska’s 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), a state oil-revenue shareout that hit $1,702 per person, with most payments landing in September-November 2025. Federal COVID leftovers? Auto-sent up to $1,400 by January 2025, claim deadline April 15, 2025 – locked now. Trump’s $2,000 tariff rebate? A 2026 proposal, not December reality. Bright spot: Alaska has December residuals, and states like New York and Pennsylvania are rolling out rebates up to $1,000 – stack ’em for $1,500+ total. With $72 billion unclaimed aid out there, this guide (updated December 4, 2025) nails eligibility, schedules, and tracking. Your year-end surprise could be legit – let’s dig in.
Decoding the $1,702 Stimulus Payment: State Dividend, Not Federal Magic in December 2025
The $1,702 stimulus payment hype? Pure mix-up with Alaska’s PFD – a 1982 program sharing $83 billion in oil/mineral riches with residents. For 2024 (paid 2025), it’s $1,702 flat – no income test, just residency. 2025’s PFD? Slated at $1,000, starting October. No nationwide IRS tie – Commissioner Danny Werfel flags scams preying on this. States fill the gap with inflation rebates from surpluses – New York’s first-ever $300-500 checks hit 8 million homes.
Hype vs. Truth Table
- Hype: IRS drops $1,702 to all by Dec 15.
- Truth: Alaska 2024 PFD residuals only; 2025 at $1,000. Fed claims closed April 2025.
Who Qualifies for the $1,702 Stimulus Payment – Real Rules for December Boosts
Federal? Nada new – 2021 RRC needed <$75K single/$150K joint, U.S. residency, SSN, and April 15 filing. Alaska’s 2024 PFD ($1,702): Full 2024 residency, no other-state claims post-2023, 72 hours presence in 2023/2024, no felony incarceration. Apply by March 31, 2025 via pfd.alaska.gov. States: Tax filers, income caps. Non-filers? Free 2024 return under $79K.
| Program | Who Qualifies | Max Amount | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska 2024 PFD ($1,702) | Full 2024 AK resident; no felonies; applied by March 31, 2025 | $1,702 flat (all ages) | 72 hrs presence 2023/2024; 600K+ paid |
| Alaska 2025 PFD ($1,000) | Full 2024 AK resident; same rules | $1,000 flat | Applications open Jan 2026 |
| New York Inflation Rebate | Filed 2023 NY taxes; <$150K household | $300-$500 | Seniors/disabled first; 8M eligible |
| Pennsylvania Property Rebate | 65+ or disabled; income limits | Up to $1,000 | Apply by Dec 31, 2025 |
| Colorado TABOR Refund | Filed 2024 CO taxes; CO income | Avg $800 | Part-year prorated |
NY + PA + CO? $1,600 easy. High earners? Alaska’s universal.
$1,702 Stimulus Payment Schedule: December Dates & Delivery Deets
No IRS December blast – refunds e-file in 21 days. Alaska 2024 PFD: Main waves Sept-Nov; residuals Dec 18 for Dec 10 eligibles. 2025 PFD ($1,000): Oct start, Jan 15 residuals. Deposits: 1-2 days; checks: 7-10 (holiday lag).
Alaska PFD Waves (2024/2025)
- 2024 ($1,702): Sept 11 (by Sept 3); Oct 2 (Sept 18); Oct 23 (Oct 13); Nov 20 (Nov 12); Dec 18 (Dec 10).
State December Rollouts
E-file for speed.
| State | Payment Window | Method | Dec 4 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska 2024 PFD ($1,702) | Dec 18, 2025 (residuals) | Deposit/check | Eligible by Dec 10; 90%+ main paid |
| New York Rebate | Nov 25-Dec 20, 2025 | Check/deposit | Seniors by Dec 10; weekly batches |
| Pennsylvania Property | Dec 2025-Jan 2026 | Check/deposit | Apply by Dec 31; rolling |
| Colorado TABOR | Dec 1-31, 2025 | Refund/deposit | 2024 filers now |
Track Your $1,702 Stimulus Payment: Step-by-Step December Guide (Ditch Scams)
No fed portal – states rule. Official only; no fees/apps. 5 steps, 15 mins:
- Verify Yours: Hit pfd.alaska.gov for AK; tax.ny.gov for NY. Quizzes confirm fast.
- Gather Basics: 2023/2024 taxes, SSN, bank info. Zero income? IRS Free File.
- File/Apply: E-file state return – auto-triggers. AK? myPFD login.
- Go Digital: Routing/account for 1-2 day drops; update via IRS “Get My Payment”.
- Monitor & Secure: State portals/apps; 2-4 weeks. Late? Call (IRS: 800-829-1040). Fakes? FTC.gov – no texts seek SSN.
Aid: 211.org/VITA. AK residuals? Log in today.
Beyond December: Stack to $1,700+ With 2025-2026 Extras
States lead, but add: SS COLA (2.8%, +$56 avg Jan 2026); LIHEAP ($200-1,000 heating, benefits.gov); EITC ($7,830 max 2025 taxes – kids max it). Tariff? $2,000 mid-2026 possible. SNAP? Low-income food aid.
The $1,702 stimulus payment? Alaska’s dividend echo – but states deliver December dollars now. Windows close quick; check eligibility today – toast to tinsel. State specifics? Comment yours. Smart hunts, sweeter seasons!