Viral Rumor Has Everyone Talking
Folks across the country are buzzing about a supposed $1,702 stimulus payment hitting bank accounts this November. Social media is full of posts claiming the government is sending cash to everyone to fight inflation and high prices. People are sharing screenshots of “official” schedules and urging friends to check eligibility right away. It sounds great, right? Who wouldn’t want an extra $1,700 in their pocket just before the holidays? But hold on – let’s dig into what’s really going on.
No Federal Stimulus for Most Americans
Sorry to burst the bubble, but there’s no nationwide $1,702 check coming from the IRS or anywhere else. The IRS has made it clear: no new stimulus payments are planned for 2025. That number actually comes from last year’s Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, which was $1,702 back in 2024. This year, it’s different. Scammers are using old info to trick people into clicking fake links or giving out personal details. Experts say these posts are just clickbait designed to steal your money or info.
Alaska Folks Get the Good News: $1,000 PFD
If you live in Alaska, you might actually see some relief! The state’s Permanent Fund Dividend for 2025 is $1,000 per person, paid out from oil revenues. Over 660,000 residents qualify if they’ve lived there full-time for a year and filed taxes. Payments started rolling out in October, with more coming this month. Here’s the quick schedule:
| Payment Date | Eligible By Date |
|---|---|
| Oct 2, 2025 | First online batch |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Second batch |
| Nov 20, 2025 | Nov 12 status |
| Dec 18, 2025 | Dec 10 status |
Social Security Keeps Rolling Smoothly
Seniors and others on Social Security can count on their regular checks this November. No bonus $1,702, but payments go out on time with a small cost-of-living bump coming in 2026. SSI folks got theirs early on Oct 31 since Nov 1 is a Saturday. Retirement and SSDI follow your birthdate:
- Born 1-10: Nov 12
- Born 11-20: Nov 19
- Born 21-31: Nov 26
Mark your calendar and watch your account!
Stay Safe from Scams This Holiday Season
With all this hype, bad guys are out in force. They’ve sent phony texts pretending to be from Alaska’s PFD office or the IRS, asking for passwords or bank info. Real agencies never do that. If it sounds too good, double-check on official sites like pfd.alaska.gov or irs.gov. Report scams to the FTC and protect yourself.
Your Next Steps for Real Money
Want to grab what’s yours? Alaskans, log into myPFD to check status. Everyone else, use the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool for any owed rebates from past years – deadline was May 17. A few states like New Mexico or California have their own small rebates too. Stay informed, skip the fakes, and keep your finances strong this November. You’ve got this!