When the U.S. government gave out stimulus checks during the COVID-19 crisis, it was a temporary measure to support the economy. But in Alaska, something different happens every year — a special cash benefit called the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD).
This payment is not a one-time help during emergencies. Instead, it’s part of a long-running program that shares the state’s natural resource profits with residents.
Let’s take a closer look at what this program is, how it works, and what to expect in 2025.
What Is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend?
The Alaska PFD is a yearly payment given to people who live in Alaska. It started in 1976 to share the state’s oil and mineral income with its residents. The money comes from the Alaska Permanent Fund, which earns profit by investing royalties from oil and other resources.
The size of the PFD changes every year. It depends on:
- How well the fund’s investments have done
- How many people apply
- Decisions made by the state government
How Much Was the PFD in Past Years?
The amount has changed a lot from year to year. Here’s a quick look at the most recent PFD payments:
- 2020 – $992
- 2021 – $1,114
- 2022 – $3,284 (included a $662 energy relief bonus)
- 2023 – $1,312
- 2024 – $1,702 (included $1,403.83 standard dividend + $298.17 energy relief)
These differences show that the PFD isn’t guaranteed at a fixed rate. It goes up or down depending on how much money the Permanent Fund earns and what the state chooses to spend.
When Will the 2025 PFD Be Announced?
As of April 2025, the final amount for the 2025 PFD is still not known. The Alaska Department of Revenue usually makes the official announcement in September, and the payments are made in October or November.
So far, there is no news on the 2025 amount, but people in Alaska are already waiting for the update.
Who Is Eligible to Receive the 2025 PFD?
To qualify for the 2025 dividend, you must meet strict rules. Here’s what you need to do:
- Live in Alaska from January 1 to December 31, 2024
- Not claim residency in any other U.S. state or another country
- Be physically present in Alaska for at least 72 hours in 2023 or 2024
- Have no felony convictions in 2024 or past criminal issues that resulted in jail time
- If you were away from Alaska for more than 180 days, you must explain the reason (such as work, health care, or military service)
These rules make sure the money goes only to real Alaska residents. The state checks all information using official government records.
How to Apply for the Alaska PFD?
To get the 2025 payment, people had to apply by March 31, 2025 — either online or by mail. If someone missed the deadline, their application is automatically denied.
Applicants can check and update their status through the myPFD portal (myPFD.alaska.gov). This is also where you can:
- Change your bank details for direct deposit
- Update your mailing address
- Track the approval process
If your application is rejected, you will be informed by mail. You can appeal within 30 days, and common mistakes to avoid include giving the wrong address or incorrect residency details.
In 2024, about 2% of applications were denied, mostly due to these small errors.