The full October bonus payment schedule has been revealed, and many Americans are eagerly awaiting their checks. The U.S. Sun recently shared details about this year’s distribution, including the timing and amounts.
These bonus payments, which have provided relief to residents for years, are set to shrink compared to previous years. The once anticipated higher payouts are now being adjusted due to various financial factors. The $1,000 checks, a significant decrease from last year’s $1,702 amount, will be distributed soon. Here’s a breakdown of the payment schedule and what other states are doing to assist their residents.
A Historic Program Faces Budget Cuts
The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) has been a vital financial program in Alaska since its inception in 1980. Originally designed to distribute profits from Alaska’s oil and natural resources directly to residents, the checks started at $1,000 in 1982 and have fluctuated based on state revenues. The most recent payout in 2024 was $1,702, but for 2025, the amount will be reduced by $702, bringing it down to $1,000.
This reduction is due to shifts in oil revenue and the financial sustainability of the fund. The PFD is one of the few programs where residents directly benefit from the state’s resources, but with the volatility in global oil prices, the payouts have had to be adjusted accordingly.
Although this is a noticeable decrease, it’s important to remember that the PFD is still a significant source of financial relief for over 600,000 Alaskans each year.
Bonus Payments: Payment Dates and Eligibility
For Alaskans who qualify, the following are the specific dates for receiving the 2025 PFD payments:
- October 2, 2025 – The first round of payments will go out to those who filed their applications online and selected direct deposit as their preferred payment method.
- October 23, 2025 – Those who submitted paper applications or opted to receive their check via mail will get their payment.
- November 20, 2025 – The final round of checks will be distributed to remaining eligible residents, regardless of how they filed.
Eligibility for the PFD is contingent on meeting specific residency requirements and not having felony convictions. Alaskans who missed the March 31 application deadline will have to wait until next year to apply for the 2025 payout.
More States Handing Out Cash: Don’t Miss These Opportunities
While Alaska is making headlines with its reduced payout, other states are also distributing Bonus Payments to their residents this October. Here are a few other programs that might interest you:
- New York: More than 8.2 million New Yorkers are set to receive inflation refund payments worth up to $400. These payments, as part of the state’s budget deal, are designed to give back some of the additional revenue generated by higher sales tax due to inflation. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized that it’s simple:
This is your money and we’re putting it back in your pockets.
- Montana: Homeowners in Montana can receive up to $400 in property tax rebates, based on the amount of property tax they paid for their primary residence in 2024. Over 197,000 applications had already been received by September 18, with the final deadline for applications on October 1, 2025.
- Illinois: Residents of Illinois can attend a short energy workshop hosted by Ameren and receive a $300 energy bill credit. To qualify, participants must bring proof of income, an Ameren Illinois bill, and photo identification to the workshop on October 2.
These Bonus Payments are a great opportunity to ease the financial burden, whether you’re facing inflation, rising property taxes, or increased energy costs. In the words of New York’s Governor Hochul, these programs are designed to help residents “get their money back.”
