With the onset of the fall season, many Americans are focusing on several stimulus payments set to be issued in some states on September 2025. Although federal stimulus payments are finished for the year, some states are seeking creative ways to help their residents financially cope with the overwhelming inflation and the ever-increasing cost of living. Perhaps the most notable highlight for this month is Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) which is distinguished by it’s extraordinary value.
Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend Takes Center Stage
Alaska still dominates the competition with the much awaited PFD payment, where qualifying residents receive fixed payments of $1,702. These payments are set to commence on September 11 for those who filed by September 3 with additional payment dates of October 2 and October 23 for later filers.
The PFD program derives its payment obligation from a state-controlled oil revenue fund which provides consistent financial assistance to over 600,000 qualifying Alaskans.
Who is Eligible for Alaska’s PFD?
To qualify for PFD this year, applicants must have lived in Alaska without moving to another state for residency for the entire 2024 year. Moreover, applicants must have been physically present in the state for at least 72 hours in 2023 or 2024. Notably, felony restrictions have been lifted for 2024 applications, expanding the number of beneficiaries for this year.
| State | Program | Payment Amount | Eligibility Highlights | Payment Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Permanent Fund Dividend | $1,702 | Continuous residency in 2024, 72+ hour stay | Starting Sept 11, Oct 2, Oct 23 |
| New York | STAR Program | Varies (tax rebate) | Middle-class homeowners | Ongoing |
| Colorado | TABOR Tax Rebates | Up to $1,600 (married) | Resident taxpayers | Scheduled in 2025 |
| California | Guaranteed Income Pilot | Varies | Pilot program recipients | Mid-September |
Other states Providing the Stimulus Payments
Alaska is not the only state that is disbursing relief payments. New York and Colorado are also providing relief payments, but through different forms of financial relief to suit their populations. New York has STAR where the state provides a portion of the sales tax revenue collected back to families, and in turn ameliorating the burden that taxes create on their households. On the other hand, Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights guarantees tax refunds to its residents, which can be as high as $1,600 to a married couple. These payments are a testament to the state’s commitment to providing relief in accordance to their budgetary room and policy objectives.
No Federal Checks, But State Support Continues
As of now, there are no announcements for new federal stimulus payments for 2025, sustained federal payments have also ceased. Expiration of payment stimulus is primarily due to the IRS focusing on pandemic-era credit disbursement.
Any new stimulus at the federal level would have to clear Congress, and there is little expectation of that happening any time soon. Because of this, state-level initiatives continue to provide the most viable means for direct assistance funding for residents grappling with inflation and other economic hardships.