Surprise $697 Direct Deposit in April? Here’s Who Might Receive It

In April 2025, a wave of online rumors about a so-called $697 Direct Deposit in April has left millions of Americans confused, curious, and—above all—hopeful. The talk of a surprise federal payment landing in bank accounts has spread rapidly across social media, creating a swirl of speculation. People from all walks of life—working families, retirees, gig workers, and even veterans—are asking the same question: Is this $697 deposit real? And if so, am I eligible to receive it automatically?

Let’s set the record straight. As of now, there is no officially announced $697 Direct Deposit in April coming from any federal source like the IRS or the U.S. Treasury. However, the buzz surrounding this mysterious payment isn’t entirely baseless. It seems to stem from a mix of legitimate financial support programs that are active this month. Many of these programs do include direct deposits, and in some cases, the payment amounts may fall close to—or even exactly at—the $697 mark.

In this article, we’ll break down what the $697 Direct Deposit in April rumors are really about, which verified programs are distributing funds, how to check if you qualify, and what to watch for to avoid scams. This comprehensive guide is your one-stop source for navigating the April financial landscape and making sure you’re not leaving any money on the table.

$725 Monthly Stimulus Checks: Who Qualifies, When & How to Claim

Is the $697 Direct Deposit in April Real?

The short answer? Not quite. There is currently no national program officially labeled as the $697 Direct Deposit in April, nor has the IRS, Social Security Administration, or any other major federal agency confirmed such a payment. So where did this oddly specific number come from?

Most likely, this figure is the result of confusion between a variety of ongoing assistance programs, including state-level payments, tax refunds, and guaranteed income pilot initiatives. Some local and state-level programs distribute monthly payments in the range of $600–$700, and when combined with tax refund season and regular Social Security benefits, it’s not hard to see how this figure gained traction.

Although there is no one-size-fits-all $697 check, there are several legitimate programs issuing direct payments in April 2025. Let’s dive into them.

1. IRS Recovery Rebate Credit — Up to $1,400

If you missed the third stimulus payment issued during the pandemic, the IRS is still allowing eligible taxpayers to claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit. This credit applies to tax year 2021 and can result in a direct deposit refund—possibly this month—if you file before the deadline.

Key Details:

Amount: Up to $1,400 per qualifying individual
Deadline: April 15, 2025
Eligibility: Must have missed the third stimulus check and meet income requirements
How to Claim: File your 2021 federal tax return with the Recovery Rebate worksheet included
Where to Check: irs.gov

Many taxpayers who qualify and file now may see a deposit close to the $697 mark, especially if their rebate is adjusted for partial eligibility or garnishments.

2. Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)

If you’re a resident of Alaska, you’re likely familiar with the state’s annual oil revenue payout known as the Permanent Fund Dividend. For 2024, the payment amount was a generous $1,702, with deposits continuing through spring 2025.

Key Dates:

Next Deposit Date: April 17, 2025
Payment Amount: $1,702
Eligibility: Must be an Alaska resident who applied by March 31, 2025
How It’s Paid: Direct deposit to registered bank accounts

While this isn’t related to a $697 Direct Deposit in April, residents who receive a prorated or garnished amount might see deposits in the $600–700 range, adding to the overall confusion.

3. Social Security and SSI Payments

Social Security retirement and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are disbursed monthly. For many older Americans, these benefits are deposited like clockwork—and some recipients may see deposits in the vicinity of $697.

April 2025 Payment Schedule:

April 9 – Birthdays on the 1st–10th
April 16 – Birthdays on the 11th–20th
April 23 – Birthdays on the 21st–31st

Average Benefit Amounts:

Retired workers: $1,907
Disabled workers: $1,537
Widowed spouses: $1,715

Some individuals, particularly those receiving smaller or spousal benefits, could see amounts around $697 deposited this April.

4. Local Guaranteed Income Programs (e.g., Sacramento’s Family First Program)

One likely source of the $697 Direct Deposit in April rumor is Sacramento County’s Family First Guaranteed Income pilot. This program provides eligible families with monthly cash payments for one year.

Program Details:

Monthly Payment: $725
Eligibility: Sacramento County families with children ages 0–5 who identify as Black, African American, American Indian, or Native American
Income Criteria: Household must earn under 200% of the federal poverty level

If you’re part of this or a similar local initiative, you could be receiving a recurring deposit close to $697.

5. Federal and State Tax Refunds

April is tax season’s high point, and many Americans are receiving refunds. According to the IRS, the average refund so far for 2024 returns is $2,753. However, refund amounts vary widely depending on tax credits, deductions, and withholdings.

Why You Might See $697:

Partial refunds based on earned income tax credit (EITC)
Refund reductions due to past debts (offsets)
Refunds from state returns, not just federal

If you filed your taxes recently and had direct deposit set up, there’s a strong chance a payment resembling the rumored $697 Direct Deposit in April has hit your account already or is on its way.

How to Check If You’re Eligible

If you’re wondering whether you might be getting a legitimate deposit—whether it’s $697 or more—here’s how to find out:

Step 1: Use the IRS Refund Tracker

Visit irs.gov and access the Where’s My Refund tool. You’ll need:

Social Security number
Filing status
Refund amount (exact to the dollar)

Step 2: Create a “My Social Security” Account

Visit ssa.gov and sign up for a My Social Security account to view benefit details, past payments, and upcoming direct deposits.

Step 3: Check State Benefit Portals

Each state has its own Department of Revenue or Human Services portal. There, you can track:

State tax refunds
Cash assistance programs
Housing and food benefits

Step 4: Contact Local City Offices

For local guaranteed income programs, visit your city or county government website. Many programs have open application periods and public schedules.

Beware of Scams Surrounding the $697 Direct Deposit in April

Unfortunately, whenever a rumored deposit starts making headlines, scammers aren’t far behind. The $697 Direct Deposit in April has become a talking point not only among everyday Americans but also fraudsters looking to take advantage of confusion.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

Emails or texts requesting your Social Security number or bank details
Fake IRS or SSA “refund alerts”
Links to unofficial websites mimicking government pages

Pro Tip: The IRS and SSA will never call, text, or email you demanding immediate personal information. If in doubt, go directly to IRS.gov or SSA.gov to verify any claims.

Final Thoughts: Sorting Fact From Fiction

So, is there a federal $697 Direct Deposit in April hitting bank accounts across America? Not exactly. But while no single program issues this amount specifically, several legitimate government payments—from stimulus-related rebates to guaranteed income pilots and Social Security benefits—are active right now and could be confused for the rumored deposit.

Whether you qualify for a full $1,400 stimulus credit, a $1,702 Alaska PFD, or a smaller tax refund or benefit that lands around $697, one thing is clear: understanding your eligibility and staying informed can help you claim what you’re truly owed.

✅ Key Takeaways:

There is no official federal program offering a $697 Direct Deposit in April, but similar payments are happening.
IRS Recovery Rebate Credit, Alaska’s PFD, Social Security benefits, and local income programs are all issuing direct deposits this month.
Use IRS and SSA tools to check your eligibility and track incoming payments.
Always verify information through trusted sources and beware of scams.
If you receive a deposit close to $697, it could be from a tax refund, local pilot program, or Social Security benefit—not a new stimulus.

FAQs About the $697 Direct Deposit in April

Q: Is the $697 Direct Deposit in April legitimate?
A: No federal agency is issuing a payment for $697 exactly. However, verified payments in similar ranges are being disbursed this month.

Q: How can I claim the IRS Recovery Rebate Credit?
A: File your 2021 tax return with the correct worksheet before April 15, 2025.

Q: I live in Alaska. When will I get my PFD?
A: If you applied and were approved, the next PFD payment is scheduled for April 17, 2025.

Q: What if I think I got scammed?
A: Report suspicious messages or websites to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Q: Can I get multiple payments this month?
A: Yes, if you qualify for more than one program—like Social Security and a tax refund—you could see several deposits in April.

Stay alert, stay informed, and keep checking your accounts. The $697 Direct Deposit in April might not be what you expected—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t money waiting for you.