Alaskans are set to receive another round of their Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) payments in 2025, and this year’s amount is officially pegged at $1,702 per eligible resident. While some online chatter has framed it as a “stimulus check,” it’s actually Alaska’s unique way of sharing oil wealth with its citizens—a program in place since the late 1970s.
What Is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend?
The Alaska Permanent Fund was created in 1976 to ensure that some of the state’s oil and natural resource revenues were set aside for future generations. The money is invested by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC) in a mix of assets, including stocks, bonds, and real estate.
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Each year, a portion of the investment earnings is paid out directly to residents as the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Unlike federal stimulus checks, these payments are recurring and based on the fund’s performance and state budget decisions.
2025 PFD Amount
For 2025, every eligible Alaskan will receive:
- $1,403.83 – Regular dividend
- $298.17 – Additional energy assistance bonus
Total per person: $1,702
While the dividend amount changes annually depending on fund performance, the 2025 figure reflects stable returns and a boost from state-level energy relief.
PFD Payment Schedule for 2025
The Alaska Department of Revenue has outlined the following payment timeline:
| Date | Payment Details |
|---|---|
| Sept. 3–18, 2025 | First batch for online applicants with direct deposit |
| Sept. 11, 2025 | Payments for applications marked “Eligible – Unpaid” |
| Oct. 2, 2025 | Payments for eligible applications processed through September |
| Oct. 23, 2025 | Payments for eligible applications processed through October |
Direct deposit recipients will see funds first, while checks will take slightly longer.
Eligibility Rules for the 2025 PFD
To qualify, applicants must meet the following:
- Residency: Must have been physically present in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours in 2023 or 2024.
- Absences: Cannot exceed 180 days unless for approved reasons (education, military service, or medical care).
- Criminal record: Felony convictions or multiple misdemeanors in 2024 disqualify applicants.
- Deadline: Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025. Late applications are not accepted.
- Separate applications: Each individual, including children, must apply separately.
How to Apply
- Visit the Alaska Department of Revenue – PFD Division website.
- Log in or create a myAlaska account.
- Complete the online application form with accurate residency and identification details.
- Upload any supporting documents if requested.
- Submit before March 31, 2025.
Paper applications are available, but online filing with direct deposit ensures faster payouts.
Why the PFD Matters
The dividend is more than a yearly bonus—it’s a core part of Alaska’s identity and economy. Families often use it for essentials like heating, groceries, or winter gear. For others, it’s a chance to save or invest. The 2025 inclusion of an energy relief bonus acknowledges the high cost of fuel and utilities across the state.
FAQs:
Is the $1,702 payment a federal stimulus check?
No. It’s Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), paid from oil and resource revenues
Who qualifies for the 2025 dividend?
Alaska residents who meet residency, absence, and legal requirements, and who apply by March 31, 2025.
Do children get the PFD?
Yes. Each child must have a separate application filed by a parent or guardian.
