Starting this week, thousands of Alaskans are receiving a welcome boost to their bank accounts—a $1,702 direct payment under the 2025 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program.
While some media outlets have loosely dubbed it a “stimulus check,” this annual payout is unique to Alaska and comes from the state’s oil revenue fund.
Here’s everything you need to know about the payment, who qualifies, how to apply, and when funds are expected to hit accounts.
What Is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend?
The Permanent Fund Dividend is an annual payment made to eligible Alaska residents as their share of the state’s oil and gas revenues. The dividend is funded by the Alaska Permanent Fund, a state-owned investment fund established in 1976 to preserve oil wealth for future generations.
Every year, a portion of the fund’s earnings is distributed to residents who meet the eligibility criteria.
Learn more on the Alaska Department of Revenue PFD Division website.
How Much Is the 2025 PFD?
For 2025, the PFD amount is $1,702 per eligible resident. This amount is calculated based on the performance of the fund and the allocation set by the Alaska legislature.
When Are Payments Being Made?
The Alaska Department of Revenue has confirmed that residents whose applications are in an “eligible-unpaid” status by March 12, 2025, will receive their payments by March 20, 2025.
Payments are made via direct deposit or mailed checks, depending on the option selected during the application process.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,702 Payment?
Eligibility for the PFD is determined based on several factors:
✅ Residency
- You must have been a resident of Alaska for the entire calendar year 2024.
- You must intend to remain in Alaska indefinitely.
🚫 Absences
- You must not have been absent from the state for more than 180 days during 2024 unless the absence qualifies as “allowable” (e.g., military service, education, medical treatment).
🚔 Criminal Convictions
- You cannot have been convicted of a felony in 2024.
- You must not have been incarcerated for a felony or certain misdemeanors during the qualifying year.
How to Apply for the PFD
Applications for the 2025 PFD opened on January 1, 2025 and will remain open until March 31, 2025. Residents can apply online or submit a paper application.
- 🔗 Apply online at pfd.alaska.gov.
- 📄 Paper applications can be downloaded from the website or picked up at local distribution centers.
Residents are encouraged to apply early and to check the status of their applications regularly.
Why Is It Sometimes Called a “Stimulus Check”?
Although it’s technically not a stimulus check, many outside of Alaska have referred to it as such because it provides a direct financial benefit to individuals, similar to the stimulus payments issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this payment is exclusive to Alaska and tied to natural resource revenues, not federal economic policy.
Impact on Households and the Economy
For many Alaskan households, especially those in rural communities, the annual PFD payment is a financial lifeline. It helps cover the cost of essentials like:
- Groceries
- Heating fuel
- Transportation
- Rent or mortgage payments
Economically, the influx of money into local communities also boosts spending and supports small businesses.
“The PFD is not just a check; it’s a redistribution of state wealth that supports economic stability,” noted Alaska economist Mouhcine Guettabi in a University of Alaska study.
Final Reminder for Residents
If you’re an Alaskan resident and haven’t yet applied for the 2025 PFD, make sure to submit your application before the March 31 deadline. Failing to apply on time will mean missing out on the $1,702 payout.
Keep an eye on your application status, and ensure your contact information and bank details are up to date to avoid delays.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
