In just four days, residents of Alaska will begin receiving the first 2025 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) stimulus checks, providing a significant financial boost to nearly half a million eligible Alaskans. The PFD, which has been a staple of Alaska’s financial support since 1976, is returning with an expected payout that benefits full-year residents who meet specific eligibility requirements.
What Is the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)?
The PFD program shares Alaska’s resource wealth, primarily from the state’s oil revenues, with its residents. It was established to ensure that residents receive a portion of the state’s earnings from natural resources. The amount distributed varies each year based on the performance of the Alaska Permanent Fund and decisions made by the state legislature.
In 2024, the PFD payment was $1,702 per person. The highest payout in the history of the program was $3,284 in 2022. The 2025 amount will be announced in September, with payments scheduled for 2026.
Who Qualifies for the PFD Payment?
Eligibility for the PFD is strict, and applicants must meet the following criteria:
Full Residency in 2024: You must have been a full-time resident of Alaska throughout the entire 2024 calendar year. Partial residency (less than 12 months) will not qualify you for the payment.
Intent to Remain in Alaska: Applicants must show a genuine intent to stay in Alaska permanently. Permissible absences (like work travel, college semesters, medical treatments, or military deployments) are allowed, but absences longer than 180 days without valid justification will disqualify you.
Exclusions: If you were incarcerated or convicted of a felony during any part of 2024, you will not be eligible for the PFD. Additionally, if you received benefits from another state or applied for permanent residency elsewhere, you would also be disqualified.
Important Dates for 2025 PFD Payments
The distribution of the 2025 PFD payments will happen in three stages based on the “Eligible-Not Paid” status of the application:
June 18, 2025: For applications marked “Eligible-Not Paid” by June 11, 2025
July 17, 2025: For applications marked “Eligible-Not Paid” by July 9, 2025
August 21, 2025: For applications marked “Eligible-Not Paid” by August 13, 2025
To check the status of your application, you can use the myPFD portal on the official PFD website. If your application was processed before July 9, 2025, you can expect your payment on July 17, 2025.
What to Do if You Missed the March 31 Application Deadline
Applications for the 2025 PFD were due by March 31, 2025. If you missed this deadline, unfortunately, you will not receive a payment this year. However, you can apply for next year’s dividend by submitting your application during the next open cycle.
Tips for a Successful Application:
No application fee: Submitting an application is free.
Required Documents:
A valid Alaska ID (driver’s license or state ID card)
Proof of full-year residency in 2024
Social Security number
Bank details for direct deposit (recommended to avoid delays)
Review before submitting: Double-check all information, especially your bank account details, to avoid delays. A simple typo can hold up your payment for months.
PFD Office Closure: July 7–18, 2025
Note that the physical PFD offices will be closed from July 7–18, 2025, as staff will be processing the millions of PFD applications. During this time, staff will not be able to take calls or process in-person visits. However, the myPFD online portal will remain available for inquiries.
How to Switch from Paper Checks to Direct Deposit
If you still receive paper checks, it’s time to switch to direct deposit to avoid delays. The Direct Deposit method ensures faster and more reliable payments. If you don’t have a traditional bank account, consider using the Direct Express Card, a prepaid debit card designed to receive federal payments securely.
