Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) and state services face financial pressure. Legislators are evaluating reducing the proposed dividend for 2025 and adjusting public expenses, given a deficit that exceeds $70 million. The central discussion revolves around the use of state savings versus the implementation of new taxes.
The Alaska Senate majority bloc rejects using budget reserves. “Without sufficient funding, the PFD could decline,” said Rep. Bill Elam. For its part, the Senate Finance Committee eliminated $200 million from the state House’s proposed budget, maintaining a residual deficit.
Are there funds to pay the PFD stimulus checks?
The House and Gov. Mike Dunleavy oppose additional taxes, preferring to use savings. Without consensus, cuts to the dividend and public services emerge as the only option. “An affordable PFD this year is around $500,” said Rep. Zack Fields.
The Senate approved a project to tax technology companies, but ruled out modifying oil credits. Even if tax changes are approved, the fiscal impact would be limited: less than $200 per PFD recipient. Opposition in the House and Dunleavy’s stance reduce the chances of success.
“We do not support new taxes that affect the energy industry,” declared House Majority Leader Chuck Kopp. With only 21 members in his bloc, any initiative requires support from the Republican minority.
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend: What you need to know in 2025
The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation manages these funds, ensuring that oil and gas profits reach citizens. There have been years when the program has distributed fairly large payments, such as in 2022, when payments of $3,284 were sent, which included an energy supplement.
This is the payment history of the last 10 years, so we can see when we could expect in 2025:
- 2015: $2,072.00
- 2016: $1,022.00
- 2017: $1,100.00
- 2018: $1,600.00
- 2019: $1,606.00
- 2020: $992.00
- 2021: $1,114.00
- 2022: $3,284.00
- 2023: $1,312.00
- 2024: $1,702.00
If we look at the largest check, it was for 2022, when those $3,284 were distributed, while the average payment for these previous 10 years was $1,580.
Eligibility requirements to claim PFD stimulus checks
To qualify, applicants must be registered residents of Alaska with at least one year of continuous residence and no plans to leave the state. In addition, you are required to have spent a minimum of 72 consecutive hours within Alaska in the last 24 months.
There are legal restrictions: those who have been convicted of a serious crime in the last year, or of a misdemeanor with a serious criminal record since 1997, will not be able to access the benefit. Those who meet the criteria and have pending 2024 applications marked “Eligible-Unpaid” before January 8, 2025 will receive their payment on the 16th of that month.
