December 5, 2025 – If you’ve seen headlines, texts, or Facebook posts claiming a Federal $2,000 direct deposit is hitting bank accounts this month, stop right there. The IRS has officially confirmed: There is NO federal $2,000 direct deposit in December 2025. No law passed, no money approved, no payments scheduled. These viral claims are scams designed to steal your Social Security number and bank info. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel issued a fresh warning yesterday: “Do NOT click links or give personal information to anyone promising a $2,000 payment.”
The confusion comes from President Trump’s proposed $2,000 “tariff dividend,” which is still just an idea—no bill has even been voted on. Earliest possible payout? Mid-2026, and only if Congress agrees.
The good news? Millions of Americans ARE getting real money this December from state programs—no scams, no waiting for Congress. Alaska residents get up to $1,702 on December 18, New York is mailing $300–$500 checks through December 20, Pennsylvania seniors can grab up to $1,000, and Colorado is sending average $800 refunds all month. Many people qualify for more than one and can easily reach $2,000 total.
This simple, scam-free guide (updated December 5, 2025) tells you exactly who qualifies for the REAL payments happening right now, exact December dates, and a 3-minute checklist to get your money fast.
Why There Is NO Federal $2,000 Direct Deposit in December 2025
- IRS official statement: “No new federal stimulus payments are authorized for 2025.”
- COVID stimulus ended—last unclaimed $1,400 payments were sent January 2025; deadline was April 15, 2025.
- Trump’s tariff dividend is only a proposal. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said yesterday it won’t happen before mid-2026, if ever.
- Scams are everywhere—delete any text or email promising $2,000 and report it at FTC.gov.
Who Actually Qualifies for Money THIS December (Real Programs)
Forget the fake federal check. Here are the legitimate programs paying out right now:
| Program | Who Qualifies | Amount | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend | Lived in Alaska all of 2024, applied by March 31, 2025 | $1,702 flat | Adults & kids; no income limit |
| New York Inflation Rebate | Filed 2023 NY taxes, household income under $150K | $300–$500 | Seniors & disabled get checks first |
| Pennsylvania Property/Rent Rebate | Age 65+, widows 50+, disabled; income under $35K/$45K | Up to $1,000 | Apply by Dec 31 (easy online form) |
| Colorado TABOR Refund | Filed 2024 Colorado taxes (even part-year residents) | Average $800 | Automatic with tax return |
Stack them! Example: A New York senior who also owns property in Pennsylvania can get $500 + $1,000 = $1,500 this month.
Exact December 2025 Payment Dates – Mark Your Calendar!
| Program | Payment Date | How You’ll Get It | Status Today (Dec 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska PFD ($1,702) | December 18 | Direct deposit or check | Final wave—if your status says “Eligible-Not Paid,” money hits Dec 18 |
| New York Inflation Rebate | Now through Dec 20 | Check or direct deposit | Seniors already receiving; others weekly |
| Pennsylvania Property Rebate | December waves – Jan 2026 | Check or direct deposit | Apply today—processing takes 4-6 weeks |
| Colorado TABOR Refund | All December | Added to tax refund | File 2024 taxes now for fastest money |
Direct deposit = 1-2 days in your account
Paper checks = 7-10 extra days due to holiday mail
3-Minute Checklist: What Americans Should Do TODAY
- Check Real Money You Qualify For
Open a new tab and Google: “[Your State] rebate December 2025”
Takes 30 seconds—official state websites have eligibility quizzes. - File or Update Your Info (Takes 3 Minutes)
Alaska → Log in at myPFD.alaska.gov (update bank info by Dec 10 for Dec 18 payment)
New York → Nothing to do—automatic if you filed 2023 taxes
Pennsylvania → Apply at mypath.pa.gov (super easy)
Colorado → E-file 2024 taxes at revenueonline.colorado.gov - Protect Yourself from Scams
Delete any text/email about $2,000 federal payment
Never click links or give SSN
Real IRS never contacts you by text
Questions? Call IRS directly at 800-829-1040
Free help: Call 211 or visit a VITA site for free tax filing.
Bonus December Boosts You Can Still Grab
- Social Security COLA: Extra $56/month average starts January payments
- LIHEAP: Up to $1,000 emergency heating help—apply at benefits.gov
- Earned Income Tax Credit: Up to $7,830 when you file 2025 taxes—file early!
Bottom line: There is no federal $2,000 direct deposit in December 2025, but millions of Americans are getting $300 to $1,702 from their states this month—and it’s 100% legit, 100% scam-free.
Take 3 minutes right now to check your state. You could have money in your account before Christmas!
Questions about your state? Drop it in the comments below and I’ll give you the exact link and steps.