December 2025 is flying by, and the online frenzy over a $1,702 stimulus payment shows no signs of slowing – fueled by social media scams and outdated headlines promising IRS direct deposits for holiday relief. With essentials up 2.8% year-over-year, it’s easy to get swept up. But the facts as of December 4, 2025? No federal government is mailing $1,702 checks to every American this month. The figure points to Alaska’s 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), a state-specific oil-revenue share that paid $1,702 per eligible resident, with final residuals due December 18 for late qualifiers. Federal COVID-era aid (up to $1,400) wrapped with an April 15, 2025, deadline – no extensions. Trump’s $2,000 tariff rebate? Still a 2026 proposal, not December reality. The real deal: Alaska has December holdovers, and states like New York and Pennsylvania are disbursing up to $1,000 in rebates – stack for $1,500+ totals. With $72 billion in unclaimed benefits nationwide, this guide breaks down eligibility, schedules, and tracking. Your December windfall might be waiting – no scams required.
The Truth Behind the $1,702 Stimulus Payment: Alaska PFD, Not IRS Magic
The $1,702 stimulus payment viral wave confuses Alaska’s PFD – launched in 1982 to split oil/gas royalties with residents – for a nationwide federal handout. For 2024 (paid 2025), it’s $1,702 flat from an $83 billion fund, down from 2022’s $3,284 high. 2025’s PFD? $1,000, starting October. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel: No new stimulus; scams exploit this confusion. States counter with surplus rebates: New York’s inflation aid hits 8 million households.
Federal Fiction vs. State Facts
- Fiction: IRS auto-sends $1,702 nationwide by Dec 15.
- Facts: Alaska’s 2024 PFD residuals only; 2025 at $1,000. Other states add $300-$1,000.
Who Qualifies for the $1,702 Stimulus Payment? Rules for December 2025 Relief
No fed program fits all – past RRC needed 2021 residency, <$75K single/$150K joint income, SSN, and April filing. Alaska’s 2024 PFD ($1,702): Full 2024 residency, intent to stay, no felonies/incarceration, 72 hours presence in 2023/2024, no other-state claims post-Dec 31, 2023. Apply by March 31, 2025 via pfd.alaska.gov. States: Tax filers, light caps. Non-filers? Free 2024 return <$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/kids) | 72 hrs in AK 2023/2024; no other-state residency post-2023 |
| Alaska 2025 PFD ($1,000) | Same as 2024; applied by March 31, 2026 | $1,000 flat | Residuals thru Jan 15, 2026 |
| New York Inflation Rebate | Filed 2023 NY taxes; <$150K household | $300-$500 | Seniors/disabled priority; 8M eligible |
| Pennsylvania Property/Rent Rebate | 65+ or disabled; income <$35K single/$45K joint | Up to $1,000 | Apply by Dec 31, 2025; funds first-come |
| Colorado TABOR Refund | Filed 2024 CO taxes; any CO income | Avg $800 (varies by bracket) | Part-year prorated; surplus-based |
PA + NY + CO? $1,600-$2,000 stack. High earners? Alaska’s no-cap flat payout.
$1,702 Stimulus Payment Schedule: December 2025 Dates & Delivery
IRS? No new waves – e-filed refunds process in 21 days. Alaska 2024 PFD ($1,702): Main batches Sept-Nov; December 18 for “Eligible-Not Paid” by Dec 10. 2025 PFD ($1,000): Oct start, Jan 15 residuals. Direct deposits: 1-2 business days; checks: 7-10 (holiday mail delays possible).
Alaska 2024 PFD Waves (Including December)
- Sept 11: Eligible by Sept 3.
- Oct 2: By Sept 18 (e-filers first).
- Oct 23: By Oct 13.
- Nov 20: By Nov 12.
- Dec 18: By Dec 10 (residuals).
Other State December Timelines
Act fast – e-file accelerates.
| State | Payment Window | Method | Dec 4 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska 2024 PFD ($1,702) | Dec 18, 2025 (residuals) | Deposit/check | “Eligible-Not Paid” by Dec 10; 95%+ main issued |
| New York Rebate | Nov 25-Dec 20, 2025 | Check/deposit | Seniors prioritized; weekly waves for 8M |
| Pennsylvania Property Rebate | Dec 2025-Jan 2026 | Check/deposit | Applications thru Dec 31; rolling first-come |
| Colorado TABOR | Dec 1-31, 2025 | Refund/deposit | Tied to 2024 taxes; file now for Dec hit |
Track Your $1,702 Stimulus Payment: Simple December Steps (Scam-Proof Tips)
IRS “Get My Payment” tool? Only for taxes, not new stimulus. States own it – official portals free, no fees. 5 steps, 10-20 mins:
- Check Status: Log pfd.alaska.gov/myPFD for AK (look for “Eligible-Not Paid”); tax.ny.gov for NY quizzes.
- Update Deets: SSN, address, bank routing/account via myPFD or state forms.
- File if Needed: E-file 2024 state return – auto-triggers rebates.
- Choose Direct: Opt deposit for 1-2 day speed over checks.
- Follow Up: Portals for alerts; wait 2-4 weeks. Delayed? Call AK (907-465-2326) or IRS backup (800-829-1040). Scams (texts/links)? Report FTC.gov – legit aid never asks upfront fees.
Free help: 211.org or VITA sites. AK tip: Update changes by Dec 10 for Dec 18.
Stack More December Relief: Hit $1,700+ Without Fed Dreams
States deliver now, but layer: Social Security COLA (2.8% bump, +$56 avg Jan 2026); LIHEAP ($200-1,000 heating aid, benefits.gov); EITC (up to $7,830 on 2025 taxes – kids qualify max). Tariff rebates? $2,000 mid-2026 if passed. SNAP? Extra groceries for low-income.
The $1,702 stimulus payment December? Echo of Alaska’s 2024 PFD – residuals land Dec 18 for qualifiers, while states boost others. Deadlines loom; verify today – ease end-of-year crunch. State in play? Comment for tips. Sharp eyes, solid savings.