One state is preparing to send out direct payments worth more than $1,700 this month. For many households, stimulus checks provide critical short-term relief during times of high living costs. While they are not long-term solutions, they do help families cover pressing expenses like groceries, utilities, and rent while broader strategies are debated.
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Why Stimulus Checks Matter
Stimulus payments have been used before to provide immediate financial support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, three rounds of federal Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) gave Americans much-needed relief. The final federal payment of $1,400 could still be claimed during the recent tax season.
Since then, no nationwide stimulus program has been approved. However, several states have launched their own relief initiatives. Alaska stands out, thanks to its long-running Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), which distributes a share of the state’s oil and mineral revenue directly to residents each year.
$1,700 Payments in Alaska
Alaska residents who qualify will soon receive a $1,702 payment from the PFD program. According to the Alaska Department of Revenue, the first round of payments will be distributed on August 21, 2025.
The payments are not a new one-time initiative but part of the state’s ongoing commitment to share natural resource wealth with its people. The program has existed for more than 40 years and continues to provide meaningful relief to households across the state.
Who Qualifies
Not every resident is automatically eligible for a payment. To qualify, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of Alaska.
- Have lived in the state for at least 12 months with no plans to move.
- Spend at least 72 continuous hours in Alaska in the past 24 months if living temporarily out of state.
- Not be incarcerated for a felony in the past 12 months.
- If previously convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors since 1997, applicants must have no misdemeanors within the past year.
In addition, 2024 (and prior year) dividend applications that show “Eligible-Not Paid” status as of August 13, 2025, will be included in the August 21 distribution.
Payment Schedule
If you are not part of the August 21 payment group, there are still multiple upcoming opportunities to receive funds. Alaska will continue sending payments through October.
| Application Status Date | Payment Distribution Date |
|---|---|
| September 3, 2025 | September 11, 2025 |
| September 18, 2025 | October 2, 2025 |
| October 13, 2025 | October 23, 2025 |
These staggered dates ensure that all eligible applicants will eventually receive their dividends, even if not included in the first round.
Other State Initiatives
While Alaska continues its annual dividend program, other states are testing new relief measures. For example, New York has introduced a “Baby Stimulus” that provides $1,800 to families welcoming newborns in 2025 or 2026. These payments are designed to support maternal and infant health, highlighting how different states are tailoring relief efforts to their local needs.
The $1,700 PFD payments are another reminder of how state-level programs can deliver immediate support when federal action is stalled. For Alaskans, this dividend is not just financial relief—it is a symbol of shared prosperity from the state’s natural resources. Residents who qualify should check their application status to ensure they receive their payment on the scheduled date.
I live in Texas and I never received not one stimulus check. Since the very beginning of all of this.
And I have to say, this is very sad. I could have used the help.
My mother-in-law passed away in my home.
My employment was discontinued.
And my husband after 41 years was diagnosed with: cancer.
My husband just passed away. May 10th of this year, 2025.
I have been struggling. All of this time, and not one time, have I ever received 1 of these stimulus checks.