Every year, Alaska residents look forward to the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) — a unique program that shares profits from the state’s oil industry with its citizens. For 2025, the process is underway, with over 564,000 applications already submitted.
The Alaska PFD is more than just a benefit—it’s a long-standing tradition in the Last Frontier State. Created in 1976 and distributing checks since 1983, the fund has become an important source of extra income for thousands of families.
What Is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend?
The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a yearly payment given to qualified Alaska residents. It is funded by profits from the state’s oil industry. The dividend amount changes each year depending on:
- Oil company profits
- Fund investment performance
- Legislative decisions
As of December 2024, the Alaska Permanent Fund was valued at nearly $83 billion.
Key Dates for the 2025 PFD Check
The PFD follows the same yearly cycle. Here’s what to remember:
- Application deadline: March 31, 2025
- Dividend amount announcement: September 2025
- Payment distribution begins: October 2025
- Late applicant distributions: March–May 2026
In 2024, payments started from October 3 for direct deposit users. Paper checks were sent later.
Who Is Eligible for the 2025 PFD?
To receive the 2025 PFD payment, residents must meet the following conditions:
- Lived in Alaska for the full calendar year before applying
- Physically present in Alaska for at least 72 hours in the past two years
- No serious criminal convictions in the past year
- Must have applied before March 31, 2025
How Much Will the 2025 PFD Be?
The exact amount for 2025 has not been decided yet. It depends on how well the fund performs and the total number of eligible applicants. However, we can get an idea from recent years:
| Year | PFD Amount | Energy Subsidy | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $2,622 | $662 | $3,284 |
| 2023 | $1,312 | — | $1,312 |
| 2024 | $1,403.83 | $298.17 | $1,702 |
If the trend continues, 2025’s PFD could range between $1,300 and $1,800, but this is only an estimate.
Could PFD Payments Increase in the Future?
Two new bills in the Alaska Senate aim to raise state income, which might indirectly lead to higher PFDs:
Senate Bill 92 (SB 92):
Proposes taxing large oil companies like Hilcorp, which currently avoids state tax due to its “S” corporation status. This could bring in $100 million per year.
Senate Bill 113:
Proposes taxing online businesses outside Alaska. Could generate $25–65 million annually.
While these proposals are under debate, similar tax increases in the past (like Measure 1 in 2020) were rejected by voters. Still, the discussion shows Alaska’s efforts to diversify income and maintain the PFD program.