For many American families, financial breathing room is hard to come by.
As inflation continues to affect everything from groceries to utilities, some states are stepping up with automatic stimulus payments, no lengthy application forms, no paperwork, just support when it's needed most.
In 2025, two such payments stand out: New York’s $400 inflation relief check, and Alaska’s $1,702 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD).
Here’s what you need to know about each.
$400 Stimulus Payment (New York’s Automatic Inflation Relief)
New York is sending out $400 payments to more than 8 million qualifying residents this year as part of its 2025–2026 state budget.
Designed to ease the burden of inflation and rising living costs, these payments are funded by a $2 billion statewide initiative.
Who Will Receive It?
No applications are needed, just meet the following:
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You filed Form IT-201 (New York State income tax return) for the 2023 tax year
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Your income was below $150,000 (single/head of household) or below $300,000 (married filing jointly)
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You were not claimed as a dependent on another person’s return
If you check those boxes, the $400 check will arrive by mail, using the address listed on your latest tax return.
$1,702 Stimulus Payment (Alaska’s 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend)
Far from the Lower 48, Alaska is issuing a one-time $1,702 stimulus payment to qualifying residents through its Permanent Fund Dividend program, a unique initiative funded by state oil revenues.
This isn’t a federal check; it’s Alaska’s way of rewarding long-term residents and helping households weather high prices in a state where the cost of living is among the highest in the U.S.
How is the $1,702 Total Calculated?
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$1,403.83 from the core PFD
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$298.17 energy bonus
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Combined into a single $1,702 payment
Who Is Eligible?
To receive the 2024 dividend, applicants must:
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Have lived in Alaska the entire year of 2024
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Show intent to remain a permanent resident
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Not have been away from Alaska more than 180 days
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Not claim residency elsewhere
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Have no disqualifying criminal history
When Will Payments Be Sent?
The state has confirmed two key disbursement dates:
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July 17, 2025, for applications marked “Eligible – Unpaid” by July 9
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August 21, 2025, for those cleared by August 13
What These Programs Have in Common
Both of these stimulus payments reflect a broader shift: states creating their direct relief strategies as federal pandemic-era programs expire.
Whether through inflation rebates or annual dividends, millions of Americans will receive meaningful support in 2025, and they won’t have to jump through hoops to get it.
If you’re in New York or Alaska, now’s the time to double-check your mailing address and tax filing status to ensure you don’t miss out.
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