Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) distributes income from natural resources to eligible residents in the state of “the last frontier”, and today there are more than 600,000 qualified people who can receive a juicy check similar to the one in 2024, which was $1,702.
Last year, the PFD stimulus payment included a regular dividend of $1,403.83 and an energy relief payment of $298.17. Direct deposits began on October 3, 2024, and checks were sent afterward. Some pending payments are scheduled for 2025 and it is expected that the payment date could be similar, in the month of October.
For applications in “Eligible-Not Paid” status through May 7, 2025, the $1,702 payment will be distributed along May. Residents can check their status on myPFD or update their address.
What is the PFD stimulus payment program?
Alaska’s Permanent Dividend Program (PFD) is a unique economic benefit that distributes a portion of the profits generated by the Alaska Permanent Fund to eligible residents of the state. This fund is mainly nourished by income from the exploitation of natural resources, especially crude petroleum exploitation.
The objective of the PFD is to share the wealth of the state with its inhabitants, functioning as an annual income that can be used for personal expenses, savings, or investment. To be eligible, residents must meet certain requirements, such as living in Alaska permanently and not having been convicted of serious crimes.
The amount of the 2025 PFD has not been announced as of today. Applications closed on March 31, with 600,000 of 740,000 eligible residents applying, according to Alaska Public Media. Historically, the PFD announcement occurs in September, depending on the fund and legislative negotiations.
The governor proposed $3,900 by 2025, but reports indicate it is unlikely to be approved. Some analysts expect an amount closer to last year’s payment, which was $1,702, and others project it to be below that.
Requirements to claim the 2025 PFD stimulus check
For the 2025 PFD, it is required to have lived in Alaska for all of 2024, with the intention of staying and without absences of more than 180 days, with exceptions. There must be no serious crimes comitted by the individual in that period.
The PFD division is open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM starting April 1, 2025 for assistance. It is closed Wednesday and Thursday, according to the official site. There you can find all the help you need and answer all your doubts.
What does the PFD do to the economy of Alaskan families?
The injection of these payments stimulates Alaska’s economy by helping families cope with the state’s high costs of living (one of the most expensive to live in along with Hawaii).
Some critics argue that the PFD reduces pressure to diversify the economy, keeping Alaska closely tied to oil revenues, and others say that the amount, being dependent on oil market profits and current political decisions, is not a completely predictable income, making long-term financial planning difficult for some families.
The PFD program has been found to reduce poverty since it was created, as many residents use the money on essential expenses (food, housing, transportation) or on local goods and services, boosting commerce and employment. Studies show that the PFD helps reduce inequality, especially in rural and indigenous communities, where the dividend can represent crucial income for low-income families.