As 2025 comes to a close, many Americans are wondering about stimulus payments in December 2025 and who qualifies for any remaining relief checks. While no new federal stimulus payments have been authorized by Congress or the IRS this year, a handful of targeted programs are still distributing funds, including catch-up economic impact payments and state-specific rebates. These stimulus-like payments in December 2025 offer much-needed support amid ongoing economic pressures, but eligibility is limited. Here’s a clear breakdown of who’s still getting payments this month and how to know if you’re one of them.
1. IRS Recovery Rebate Credit Recipients
The IRS is issuing automatic special payments of up to $1,400 to about 1 million taxpayers who missed claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit on their returns. These are the final catch-up stimulus payments from the pandemic era, going out automatically in December 2025 with most arriving by late January.
- Who qualifies: Taxpayers who filed a 2021 return but left the credit blank or entered $0 despite being eligible. No action is needed—these stimulus payments in December 2025 are direct deposited or mailed as checks.
- Amount: Up to $1,400 per person. This is one of the last chances for unclaimed federal stimulus payments in December 2025.
2. Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) Holders
Alaska residents continue to receive their annual Permanent Fund Dividend, often called a stimulus check due to its direct cash boost from oil revenues. For 2025, the amount is around $1,000–$1,702 per eligible person.
- Who qualifies: Alaskans who applied and maintained residency requirements, with applications in “Eligible-Not Paid” status.
- Key date: Payments for those confirmed by December 10, 2025, are distributed on December 18. This remains a reliable source of stimulus payments in December 2025 for qualifying Alaskans.
3. New York Inflation Refund Recipients
New York’s first-ever inflation refund program is mailing one-time rebate checks to offset higher sales taxes from inflation, benefiting over 8 million households.
- Who qualifies: Taxpayers who filed a 2023 New York resident return with income under certain thresholds (e.g., up to $150,000 for singles).
- Amounts: $150–$400 depending on filing status and income.
- Timeline: Mailing started in late September, with deliveries continuing through December 2025 and possibly into early 2026 due to the high volume. These checks are a key form of state stimulus payments in December 2025 for New Yorkers.
4. SSI and SSDI Beneficiaries (Double Payment Due to Schedule)
While not new stimulus, millions on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will see an extra payment in December because January 1, 2026, is a holiday.
- Who qualifies: All SSI recipients get their regular December payment plus the January amount early. Some receiving both SSI and Social Security may get three checks this month.
- Key date: January SSI payment arrives December 31, 2025 (with the 2.8% COLA increase for 2026 applied). This scheduling quirk feels like bonus stimulus payments in December 2025 for low-income and disabled Americans.
Final Thoughts
December 2025 brings no widespread federal stimulus checks, and proposals like the $2,000 tariff dividend remain unapproved. However, targeted groups can still expect stimulus payments in December 2025 through IRS catch-ups, Alaska’s PFD, New York rebates, and SSI scheduling. Always check official sources like IRS.gov or state revenue sites to avoid scams claiming fake payments. If you think you qualify for any of these, log into your accounts or contact the agencies directly—extra money could arrive just in time for the holidays.