Stimulus Payments in October 2025: Which States Are Sending Checks?

Lately, a lot of people have seen posts on social media about new federal "stimulus checks" coming in October 2025.

Despite what you may have read or heard, there is no national program providing these payments. Most of the rumors refer only to certain state payments, such as the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend or New York’s inflation rebate.
 

Alaska: Permanent Fund Dividend

Alaska is the main state sending out money to residents this October. The payment is called the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD).

This year, over 600,000 Alaskans will get a payment of around $1,702 per person. People who receive their payment by direct deposit will get it starting October 2, and those who get paper checks will receive them later in the month.
 

New York: Inflation Rebate

New York is another state providing payments. The government has approved an "inflation rebate" for millions of residents.

The amount of money people get will be between $150 and $400, depending on their marital status and income from 2023. The payment will be sent automatically.
 

There's No Federal Stimulus Payment

It’s important to know that these payments are not a new federal stimulus check. Experts have clarified that the only extra payments coming in October are from certain state or local programs, not from the federal government.
 

Advice for People Expecting Payments

 

• Check your eligibility: Make sure you qualify for payments in your state (like Alaska or New York).
• Verify your details: Update your bank account or mailing address so you get your payment without delays.
• Watch out for scams: Federal agencies like the IRS will not send new payments or ask for personal information to issue these checks.

 

Can You Use These Checks to Pay for Auto Loan Payments?

Yes, if you receive a payment from Alaska’s PFD or New York’s inflation rebate, you can use the money however you want, including to pay for your auto loan.

These checks are meant to help residents with expenses, so you can apply them toward your car payments, bills, savings, or anything else you need.

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