Many Americans are confused by news headlines mentioning checks worth $1,702, $1,700, or $1,600. These numbers are showing up everywhere—on social media, in text messages, and even in unofficial emails. But what do they really mean? And most importantly: Are YOU getting one of these checks?
Let’s break it down and explain the truth behind these payments—without the hype or scams.
What Does the $1,702 Check Mean?
The $1,702 payment is not a federal stimulus check. Instead, it refers to a state payment from Alaska known as the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD).
Who Gets It?
- Only residents of Alaska who meet specific residency rules.
- It’s issued every year to eligible residents, based on oil revenue profits.
- In 2024, the PFD was $1,702, including a small energy relief bonus.
So, unless you live in Alaska and applied for the PFD, you will not receive this $1,702 check.
What About the $1,700 Check?
Some websites and influencers have mentioned a $1,700 check, but there’s no official IRS or government program offering that exact amount.
So, Why $1,700?
This number often appears when:
- People combine multiple government payments (such as leftover COVID credits and local aid).
- Taxpayers receive state refunds or energy rebates that total around $1,700.
- It’s sometimes used as clickbait in articles or posts that make people believe they are entitled to more money.
Important: There is no federal $1,700 stimulus check being issued at this time.
And the $1,600 Check?
Like the $1,700 figure, the $1,600 amount is also not part of a single, official payment.
Here’s what it could refer to:
- A state relief check from certain programs (only for residents of those states).
- A partial refund or tax credit from previous IRS filings.
- An estimated total from Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit combined with other refunds.
Once again, this number is not a fixed stimulus check, but rather a rough figure based on individual financial situations.
So, Why All the Confusion?
These numbers are being shared widely without proper context. Here’s why:
1. Clickbait Headlines
Websites and YouTube videos often use big, bold numbers like “$1,702 stimulus” to grab attention—even if they don’t apply to most Americans.
2. State vs. Federal Confusion
People often confuse state-specific aid (like Alaska’s PFD) with federal relief payments, thinking everyone will get the same amount.
3. Combined Refunds
Some taxpayers get refunds that total around $1,600–$1,700, combining multiple tax benefits. But these aren’t issued as one specific check.
What Can You Actually Get from the IRS Right Now?
If you missed the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (worth up to $1,400), you may still be eligible to claim it—but you must file your 2021 taxes by April 15, 2025.
This $1,400 payment is the third round of stimulus relief from the COVID era and is being sent out by the IRS automatically to eligible individuals who:
- Filed or amended their 2021 tax return.
- Were eligible but never received the full amount.
Visit the official IRS website at irs.gov to check your tax refund status or claim credits.
Stay Safe: Watch Out for Scams
If you get a message promising a $1,702 or $1,700 check, it’s likely a scam unless it’s from a verified government source.
Tips to stay protected:
- The IRS will never ask for personal info via email, text, or social media.
- Do not click on links from unofficial sources.
- Always confirm payment updates using official government websites only.
The truth is, most Americans are not getting a $1,702, $1,700, or $1,600 stimulus check right now.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- $1,702 – Alaska residents only (Permanent Fund Dividend).
- $1,700 or $1,600 – Not official payments; often based on individual refund totals or misinformation.
- $1,400 – The actual IRS credit still available through the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (if you qualify).
If you think you missed a payment, review your 2021 tax return and file as needed—but don’t rely on rumors or flashy headlines.
FAQs
Q1. Is there a real $1,702 stimulus check for everyone?
No. That payment is only for residents of Alaska under the state’s PFD program.
Q2. Why do people mention $1,700 or $1,600 checks?
These amounts are usually totals from combined refunds or misunderstood headlines. They are not official federal checks.
Q3. Am I still eligible for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit?
Yes, if you didn’t receive it in 2021, you can still claim it by filing your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025.
Q4. How do I check if the IRS owes me money?
Visit irs.gov and use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool or consult your tax account online.
Q5. How can I avoid stimulus scams?
Only trust payment info from official government sources. Ignore texts or emails asking for personal information or banking details.
