In 2025, nearly 500,000 people in Alaska will get a one-time payment of up to $1,702 from the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program. This unique system is different from federal stimulus checks because it happens every year. The goal is to help residents deal with the high cost of living in Alaska, especially in faraway or rural places where things cost more.
What Is the Alaska PFD Program?
The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a yearly payment given to people living in Alaska. The money comes from the profits made by the state’s oil and gas industries. The program started in 1982 after voters changed the state law in 1976 to save and share money made from natural resources.
This program is not a federal scheme. It is a special effort by the state of Alaska to help its people by sharing oil wealth. Over the years, the amount paid through the PFD has changed based on oil prices and decisions made by lawmakers.
How Much Will Alaskans Get in 2025?
In 2025, eligible residents will receive up to $1,702. This includes a $298.17 energy relief bonus to help with rising energy costs. This year’s amount is about 30% more than what was given in 2024, showing better performance of the fund and support from both political parties.
Payments will be made in three phases:
June 18, 2025 – For those marked “Eligible – Not Paid” by June 11
July 17, 2025 – Second batch
August 21, 2025 – Final round
Payments will be sent either by direct bank deposit or paper check.
Who Can Apply for the 2025 PFD?
To get the 2025 PFD, applicants must meet a few simple conditions:
Must have lived in Alaska for all of 2024
Must have stayed physically in Alaska for at least 72 hours in 2024
Must not have any serious criminal record (no felony or jail time over a year)
Must apply online before March 31, 2025 at the Alaska Department of Revenue website
Also, residents should keep their address updated on the myPFD portal to avoid delays in receiving the money.
Is the PFD Money Taxable?
Yes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the PFD amount as taxable income at the federal level. But there is no state tax in Alaska, so residents won’t have to pay taxes to the state.
How Is the PFD Funded?
The PFD program is funded by profits from Alaska’s oil and gas earnings. The state created a Permanent Fund to save oil money for the future. The idea is to use some of the earnings each year to give money back to the people.
Since it began in 1982, the PFD has become a big part of Alaska’s economy. The amount given changes every year. For example:
2015: $2,072
2020: $1,114 (lowest in recent years)
2022: $3,284 (highest recent payout)
2024: $1,304
2025: $1,702 (includes energy bonus)
These changes happen because of oil price ups and downs and political decisions.
Future of the PFD: Will It Continue?
While many Alaskans depend on the PFD, there are debates about whether the program can keep going in the long run. A new law, House Bill 359 (HB359), suggests giving $5,000 per person each year from 2026 to 2028. But this plan has raised concerns about whether the fund will have enough money to support such large payments in the future.
Also, the PFD Division will not be available for questions from July 7 to July 18, 2025, as they work on handling all the applications and payments.
Will There Be Any Federal Stimulus Checks?
No. Unlike in past years, no federal stimulus checks are expected in 2025. Some online ideas like the so-called “DOGE Dividends” never took shape. Elon Musk, who had once pitched this idea to Donald Trump, is no longer involved, so the chances of it happening are very low.
