Investors seeking to bolster their passive income through dividend-paying stocks are facing challenges due to the S&P 500's significant rise of 43% since the end of 2022. Finding reliable dividend payers with high yields is now more difficult, but not impossible. Bristol Myers Squibb, PennantPark Floating Rate Capital, and Ares Capital offer an average 8.5% yield, providing an opportunity to secure $1,000 in annual dividend income with an $11,800 investment across all three stocks. Despite Bristol Myers Squibb's recent stock decline, the company has raised its dividend payout for 15 consecutive years, with a current 6% yield. PennantPark's Floating Rate Capital offers stability with its floating rate loans and gradual dividend growth, while Ares Capital, the largest publicly traded BDC, showcases a diversified and successful portfolio, with a 9.1% dividend yield. Investors seeking a substantial passive income boost and potential for payout growth in the future can consider these three top dividend stocks.