A new set of direct payments is making its way to certain Americans this year.

While it may sound like previous stimulus efforts, this one is linked to different rules and timing.

Some may qualify automatically, while others will need to confirm their eligibility before any money arrives.



A fresh round of $1,702 payments is being sent out to Alaska residents starting this August, but those waiting are urged to check their status to avoid missing out.

Unlike pandemic-era stimulus checks, this amount comes from the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)—an annual program funded by the state's oil and gas profits.

The 2024 PFD includes $1,440 from the fund itself and a one-time $262 energy relief bonus, thanks to higher oil prices.


The Alaska Legislature created the program in 1980 to manage the state’s natural resource revenues. Annual payments began in 1982 and continue today, adjusted based on investment performance and oil markets.

Though sometimes referred to as a “stimulus,” the PFD differs greatly—it’s not a federal payment, and it only applies to those who meet strict residency and legal criteria in Alaska. Still, other state-level guaranteed income programs are also issuing cash in 2025.

In Mississippi, the Magnolia Mother’s Trust is offering $1,000 per month for 12 months to selected low-income Black mothers.



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Meanwhile, in California, the Abundant Birth Project provides $1,000 monthly payments to qualifying pregnant individuals and new parents from marginalized communities.

As for the Alaska PFD, about 600,000 state residents typically receive the annual check—though payment dates vary depending on when you applied and whether you filed online.

According to the official PFD website:

• Applications from 2024 and the prior year in “Eligible–Not Paid” status as of August 13, 2025, will be paid on August 21, 2025.
• Applications in the same status on September 3, 2025, will be paid on September 11, 2025.
• Applications with the same status on September 18, 2025, will be paid on October 2, 2025, which marks the first mass payment of the year.
• Another mass payment will follow on October 23, 2025, for those in “Eligible–Not Paid” status as of October 13, 2025.

To qualify, applicants must have:

• Lived in Alaska for the full 2024 calendar year
• Not claimed residency in another state or country since December 31, 2023
• Not received benefits tied to another state or country's residency
• Not been convicted of a felony or incarcerated for a felony or misdemeanor in the past 12 months
• Spent at least 72 consecutive hours in Alaska during 2023 or 2024
• Not been absent from the state for more than 180 days in 2024

Still waiting? You can check your status using the “myPFD” tool on the Alaska Department of Revenue’s Permanent Fund Dividend Division website.

There, you can see whether your application is marked as “Eligible–Not Paid,” if any action is required, or if your address, contact info, or banking details need updating.



Also read: Unlock up to $2,000 a month for your family—No catch! Find out if you're eligible

If you filed electronically, you can also update your mailing address online. Direct deposit selections can be verified through your online account, which also shows any deductions or offsets applied to your payment.

Didn’t receive your direct deposit? Call your bank to confirm it wasn’t misdirected or rejected.

If your expected payment date has passed and there’s still no check, you can visit a local office, call, email, or mail the PFD division directly.

While these payments are automatic for some, others may need to act quickly to ensure they don’t miss out.

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Have you checked your status or qualified for one of these programs? Let us know in the comments if you’ve received your payment—or are still waiting!