The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program continues to offer financial support to qualified residents. For 2025, the PFD payment is set at $1,702, reflecting the state’s ongoing effort to share its oil revenue with the people of Alaska. This article explains who is eligible, how to apply, and when to expect payment.
What Is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend?
Established in 1982, the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend is an annual payment made to residents of Alaska. Funded by the state’s oil revenues, it distributes a portion of Alaska’s natural resource wealth to citizens. The amount varies each year, depending on the fund’s investment performance and other factors.
2025 PFD Amount
The 2025 PFD amount is set at $1,702. This includes the base dividend as well as an energy relief payment, aimed at helping residents with high living and energy costs in Alaska.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive the 2025 PFD payment, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
- Residency: Must have been an Alaska resident for the entire calendar year of 2024.
- Intent to Remain: Must intend to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely at the time of applying.
- Absence Rule: Must not have been absent from Alaska for more than 180 days during 2024 unless the absence falls under approved exceptions (such as military service or education).
- Criminal Record: Must not have been convicted of or incarcerated for a felony during 2024.
- Physical Presence: Must have been physically present in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours at some point during 2023 or 2024.
For detailed eligibility criteria, visit the Eligibility section of the PFD website.
Application Process
The application period for the 2025 PFD was open from January 1 to March 31, 2025. Applicants had the option to apply:
- Online via the PFD Application Portal
- By mail using a paper application form, available through state offices
Late applications are generally not accepted, so it’s important to apply during the official window.
Payment Schedule
Payments are issued in batches, depending on when the application is processed. Here are the official disbursement dates:
- March 20, 2025 – For applications processed by March 12
- April 17, 2025 – For applications processed by April 9
- May 15, 2025 – For applications processed by May 7
Recipients can choose to receive their payments via direct deposit or paper checks, based on the preference selected in their application.
How to Check Payment Status
Applicants can check their payment status by logging in to their account at myAlaska or by visiting the Payment Status page.
Possible Changes to Future Payments
A proposed legislative measure, House Bill 209, could impact the future of the PFD. If passed, this bill would:
- Cap PFD payments at $1,000
- Introduce income limits: $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for married couples
As of now, the bill is still under consideration. Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the Alaska Legislature and the Governor’s Office for official decisions.
Conclusion
The 2025 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend provides a meaningful financial boost to residents, reinforcing Alaska’s model of sharing natural resource wealth with its people. If you meet the eligibility criteria and applied before the March 31 deadline, you can expect your payment based on your processing date. For more details, visit the official PFD website or call the Dividend Division at (907) 465-2326.
Taking a few moments to check your status or understand the eligibility rules can ensure you don’t miss out on this valuable benefit.