The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) for 2025 remains under debate in Alaska’s legislature. Governor Mike Dunleavy proposed a $3,900 payout, citing a statutory formula unused since the 1980s. However, the Senate and House have countered with $1,000 and $1,400, respectively, reflecting fiscal constraints and ongoing negotiations.
Budget deficits complicate the approval of higher amounts. The Senate’s proposal aims to reduce state spending by $265 million, while the House’s figure aligns with recent informal practices. Final determinations require consensus among all branches, delaying an official announcement.
Historical fluctuations highlight the PFD’s volatility: how much to expect in 2025?
In 2020, dividends dropped to $992, while 2022 saw $3,284. These shifts underscore the challenge of balancing public expectations with fiscal realities. Governor Dunleavy’s $3,900 proposal relies on a decades-old calculation method, but, this is being discussed. On May 2, 2025, the Senate Finance Committee suggested $1,000 — the lowest in five years.
According to James Brooks with Alaska Beacon, this amount, adjusted for inflation, would be “the lowest ever registered” The House’s $1,400 proposal, approved in April, mirrors a recent informal formula allocating 25% of annual fund earnings.
Neither proposal is final. The Senate will review amendments before voting, followed by negotiations with the House. A middle-ground figure between $1,000 and $1,400 appears probable, though unresolved debates could prolong the process.
Who’s getting money from previous, unclaimed stimulus checks?
The upcoming payment schedule, before the 2025 dividend gets the final approval, is the next, according to the Alaska Department of Revenue:
- 2024 (and prior year) dividend applications that are in “Eligible-Not Paid” status on April 9, 2025, will be distributed on April 17, 2025.
- 2024 (and prior year) dividend applications that are in “Eligible-Not Paid” status on May 7, 2025, will be distributed on May 15, 2025.
- 2024 (and prior year) dividend applications that are in “Eligible-Not Paid” status on June 11, 2025, will be distributed on June 18, 2025.
In 2024, the PFD totaled $1,702, as confirmed by the Alaska Department of Revenue on September 19, 2024. This included a $295 energy relief payment, addressing rising fuel costs and inflation.
The base dividend of $1,360 followed a 25% allocation from the Permanent Fund’s annual draw. This approach balanced resident support with fiscal responsibility, a precedent influencing 2025 discussions.
Comparatively, 2023’s dividend was $1,312, indicating incremental adjustments based on economic conditions. Such variability underscores the legislature’s cautious approach to long-term fund sustainability.
Are you getting the proposed $3,900?
The $3,900 proposal faces skepticism due to Alaska’s $1.8 billion deficit. Withdrawing sufficient funds to meet this figure would strain state reserves, risking future payouts. The Senate’s $1,000 and House’s $1,400 proposals prioritize budgetary stability. While lower than 2024’s amount, they align with post-2020 averages. Legislative delays, however, could push the final announcement to September, per tradition.
To qualify for Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), applicants must meet strict residency requirements. They must have lived in Alaska for the entire calendar year preceding the application and intend to remain indefinitely.
Temporary absences for education, medical treatment, or military service are permitted, but applicants must prove Alaska remains their primary residence. Additionally, individuals cannot claim residency in another state or receive benefits tied to another domicile.
Also, you must be in compliance with state laws, such as no felony convictions or outstanding warrants. Eligible applicants must submit their PFD application by the annual deadline, which was March 31, 2025, and provide proof of residency, such as utility bills or lease agreements. Minors require a parent or guardian to apply on their behalf. Those who meet all conditions receive their payment in October, though amounts vary yearly based on legislative decisions.