Some folks are getting pretty excited over news of a “$1,702 stimulus check” hitting bank accounts this year—but here’s the thing: it’s not a nationwide stimulus at all. This payment is strictly for Alaskans, and it’s not even part of any new federal relief package. Instead, it’s the latest payout from Alaska’s famous Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), the program that gives residents a cut of the state’s oil revenue every year. The confusion is understandable—$1,702 showing up sounds like pandemic-era checks—but the reality is much more local.
If you’ve ever wondered how a state can afford to send hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars to every eligible resident, the answer lies beneath Alaska’s ground. Oil money. The PFD has been running since the early ’80s, with amounts fluctuating annually depending on market conditions and production revenue. In 2025, the check is a little over $1,700, and here’s exactly how it works.
$1,702 Stimulus Checks 2025 – What’s Really Behind It
Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend was set up back in 1980 when lawmakers decided a portion of the state’s oil earnings should be shared directly with residents. The first payments went out in 1982, and the tradition has held strong through booms, busts, and everything in between. The 2025 payout is made up of two parts: $1,440 from oil revenue and an extra $262 energy relief supplement to help offset high fuel and utility costs—because winters here aren’t exactly gentle.
$1,702 PFD Stimulus Checks Overview
| Managed By | Alaska Department of Revenue |
|---|---|
| Name of Program | Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend |
| Country | USA |
| Amount | $1,702 |
| Payment Date | August 21, 2025 |
| Mode/Method | Direct deposit and paper checks |
| Beneficiaries | About 600,000 Alaska residents |
| Category | Government Aid |
| Official Website | pfd.alaska.gov |
Who Qualifies for the $1,702 Check
The PFD isn’t a “just because you live here” bonus. You need to meet some specific criteria:
- Be a resident of Alaska for the entire calendar year of 2024.
- Have the intent to stay in Alaska indefinitely.
- Not claim residency in another state or country after December 31, 2023.
- Be physically present in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours during 2023 or 2024.
What Can Disqualify You
Even if you tick the eligibility boxes, a few things can knock you out of the running:
- Being convicted of a crime in 2024.
- Spending fewer than 185 days in Alaska during the year.
The rules are strict because the goal is to reward long-term, contributing members of the community—not seasonal passers-through.
Payment Schedule for the $1,702 PFD
The Alaska Department of Revenue will roll out payments in batches:
- August 21, 2025: For applicants with “Eligible–Not Paid” status by August 13.
- September 11, 2025: For those marked eligible by September 3.
- October 2 & October 23, 2025: Additional batches for later approvals.
Payments will be made via direct deposit or mailed checks. Around 600,000 people are expected to benefit this year.
Other States Doing Something Similar
Alaska’s PFD is the most famous, but other states have their own targeted cash programs:
- Mississippi: Magnolia Mother’s Trust gives $1,000/month to low-income mothers.
- California: Abundant Birth Project offers $1,000/month to new mothers for up to a year.
Fact Check
The $1,702 payment is not a nationwide stimulus check. It’s Alaska’s 2025 PFD payout, funded by oil revenue and administered by the Alaska Department of Revenue. No federal agency is sending this amount to Americans outside Alaska. If you’re in another state and get a message claiming you’ll receive this check—it’s likely a scam.
FAQs:
Is the $1,702 payment taxable?
Yes, the PFD is considered taxable income by the IRS.
Can I get the PFD if I just moved to Alaska in 2024?
No. You must have been a resident for the entire year.
How will I know if I’m “Eligible–Not Paid”?
You can check your status on the PFD application portal.