Thousands of Americans are about to receive a direct economic boost to their pockets. Unlike the federal pandemic stimulus checks, several US states have ongoing financial assistance programs for their residents.
Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is one of the longest-running programs, with a new round of $1,702 payments set to begin on July 17, 2025.
This disbursement not only provides direct assistance to citizens, but it also stimulates local economic activity. While other states, such as Mississippi with the “Magnolia Mother’s Trust” and California with the “Abundant Birth Project,” are looking into guaranteed income models, Alaska’s PFD stands out for its unique origin and massive impact, benefiting approximately 600,000 residents each year.
The Alaska Permanent Fund was founded in 1976 with the ambitious goal of managing the state’s vast oil and natural resource wealth. Its primary goal is to ensure that a portion of this prosperity is distributed equitably to current and future Alaska residents.
A few years after its inception, the PFD program was launched to distribute a portion of the fund’s earnings to residents who met certain criteria.
What are the dates for the $1,702 stimulus payments
If your 2024 or prior year PFD application was in “Eligible-Not Paid” status as of July 9, 2025, your payment will be sent on July 17, 2025.
For those eligible 2024 and prior year claims that have not yet been paid by August 13, 2025, distribution will take place on August 21, 2025.
It is important to remember that the deadline to apply for this year’s PFD check (2024) passed on March 31. However, applications for the 2026 payment will be accepted between January 1 and March 31, next year.
What are the requirements to be eligible for the $1,702 stimulus payment?
Continuous residency: Have been a resident of Alaska for the entire calendar year 2023.
No dual residency/benefits: Not having claimed residency in another state or country, or received benefits linked to such a claim since December 31, 2023.
Legal history: Not having been convicted of a felony in the last 12 months, or having been imprisoned for a felony or misdemeanor.
Absences from the state: Not have been absent from Alaska for more than 180 days during the past year.
