Social media is lighting up with posts claiming a $1,702 stimulus check will hit everyone’s accounts this November 2025, complete with a “full payment schedule” for waves of direct deposits. But hold onto your wallet – this is another round of fake news. No federal stimulus program like this exists, and the IRS hasn’t announced anything close. The $1,702 number? It comes from Alaska’s 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend, a state-only payout for residents based on oil money. For 2025, Alaska’s amount is just $1,000, starting October 2, with some paper checks on November 20. If you’re not an eligible Alaskan, this isn’t for you. Scammers use these rumors to trick folks into sharing bank info – report them to the FTC.
Where the Myth Started and Why It’s Spreading
These viral claims twist old COVID relief into fresh hype, popping up on shady sites promising “automatic” money. Congress would need to pass a bill for any new checks, and nothing’s on the table. Remember the last real stimulus? It wrapped up in 2021, with a final $1,400 recovery credit deadline in April 2025. States like New York or Colorado have their own small rebates, but nothing nationwide at $1,702. Experts say economic recovery doesn’t justify broad payouts now, and with holidays looming, fraudsters are working overtime.
Good News for Retirees: The 2026 COLA Is Coming
While no windfall checks, Social Security folks get a solid boost soon. The SSA announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, up from 2.5% this year. That means about $56 more per month for the average retiree, pushing the max benefit from $1,920 to around $1,974. SSI recipients (about 7.5 million) see it baked into their December 31 check, landing January 1, 2026. Notices hit mailboxes or online accounts in late November – sign up for paperless at ssa.gov by November 19.
November 2025 Social Security Schedule: Know Your Dates
No stimulus, but your regular benefits keep coming on time, based on birth date. November’s payments cover the full 2025 amount – the COLA kicks in next year. Direct deposits arrive by 9 a.m. local time; paper checks add 3-5 mail days. Thanksgiving (November 27) doesn’t shift anything this month. Pre-1997 recipients or SSI combo folks get paid on the 3rd (November 5).
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date (November 2025) |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th | Wednesday, November 12 |
| 11th–20th | Wednesday, November 19 |
| 21st–31st | Wednesday, November 26 |
| SSI Only | Wednesday, November 5 |
Stay Safe: Spotting Scams and Getting Real Help
Fake “claim your $1,702” sites ask for fees or SSNs – red flag. The government never does that; check irs.gov or ssa.gov directly. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 for questions. For extra aid, look into SNAP food help, LIHEAP energy bills, or state rebates (like up to $800 in Colorado). Medicare premiums might ease in 2026 too – visit medicare.gov. Bottom line: No surprise riches, but reliable COLA keeps things steady. Dig through those rumors wisely, and focus on the facts for a smoother November.