A $1,702 stimulus payment is making headlines this October—but not everyone qualifies to receive it. Here’s what you need to know about who’s actually eligible and why this payment is being confused with a national stimulus check.
The Truth About the $1,702 Stimulus Payment
Over the past few weeks, social media has been flooded with claims that every American will receive a new $1,702 stimulus payment in October 2025. However, this information is misleading. The payment being discussed is not a new federal stimulus check or economic relief program from the U.S. government.
Instead, the $1,702 payment comes from the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) —a yearly state program that shares a portion of Alaska’s oil revenue with eligible residents. This means the payment is exclusive to people living in Alaska, not to all U.S. citizens.
How the Confusion Started
The misunderstanding began after reports highlighted that Alaska residents would receive $1,702 through the Permanent Fund Dividend in 2025. Many readers quickly assumed it was another round of federal stimulus checks similar to those distributed during the pandemic.
In reality, the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend is not part of any national relief effort. The program has existed since 1982 and is funded by state oil revenue rather than federal tax dollars. Each year, the amount residents receive varies depending on oil market performance and government decisions.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,702 Payment?
Only residents who meet Alaska’s strict eligibility rules can claim the $1,702 stimulus payment in 2025. To qualify, applicants must satisfy all of the following conditions:
- Be a legal and permanent resident of Alaska for the entire calendar year before applying.
- Have not spent more than 180 days outside Alaska, unless for approved reasons such as education, military duty, or medical treatment.
- Submit the PFD application during the official filing period.
- Have no disqualifying criminal or civil convictions under Alaska law.
- Keep banking information updated to receive the payment via direct deposit.
The Alaska Department of Revenue has confirmed that payments will begin in October 2025, either through direct deposit or mailed checks, depending on the applicant’s chosen payment method.
Who Will Not Receive the $1,702 Stimulus Payment?
It’s important to emphasize that this $1,702 payment is not available nationwide. Those who do not meet Alaska’s residency requirements will not receive any money. That includes:
- Residents of other U.S. states who are not permanent Alaska residents.
- Individuals who failed to meet the continuous residency rule.
- Anyone who did not apply during the official filing period.
- People with criminal convictions that disqualify them under state law.
In short, this is not a new federal stimulus check, but rather a state-based dividend unique to Alaska residents.
The $1,702 stimulus payment circulating online is not a national benefit. It’s the 2025 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, a program funded by Alaska’s oil revenue to reward long-term state residents.
If you live outside Alaska, you won’t be eligible to collect this check in October. But if you are a qualified Alaska resident who filed correctly, you can expect your $1,702 PFD payment to arrive in the coming weeks.
Key takeaway: The $1,702 check is real—but it’s not a stimulus payment for all Americans. It’s a state payout for eligible Alaskans under the Permanent Fund Dividend program.
