The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a yearly payment sent to eligible Alaskans. This money comes from the Alaska Permanent Fund, a large state savings account created in 1976. The fund mostly grows from money made through oil and natural resources found in Alaska.
The goal of the PFD is to share the wealth from Alaska’s resources with the people who live there year-round. It’s like a stimulus check for residents, but with some strict rules you must follow to qualify.
Eligibility for the PFD: What Do You Need to Know?
To qualify for the PFD, you must meet two key requirements:
- Live in Alaska the Entire Year: You must have lived in Alaska from January 1 to December 31 of the previous year. If you were away for more than 180 days without a valid reason, such as work or medical treatment, you won’t qualify.
- Intent to Stay in Alaska: You must prove that you plan on staying in Alaska permanently. You can be excused for certain absences, such as work trips, military service, or education, but extended time away without proper reason can make you ineligible. The same goes for people who were in jail or convicted of serious crimes during the year.
How Much Will You Get?
The amount of the PFD changes each year. It depends on the performance of the Alaska Permanent Fund and decisions made by lawmakers. For example, the 2024 PFD amount was $1,702 per person.
But it’s been different in other years, with payouts ranging from $331.29 in 1984 to $3,284 in 2022. You’ll learn the amount for the next year in September, but the money won’t reach you until the following year.
Important Payment Dates for 2025
For the 2025 PFD, payments will be sent on three separate dates. When you get yours depends on when your application is approved. These are the dates:
June 18, 2025: If your application status changes to “Eligible-Not Paid” before June 11.
July 17, 2025: If your application status changes to “Eligible-Not Paid” before July 9.
August 21, 2025: If your application status changes to “Eligible-Not Paid” before August 13.
If your application is approved before July 9, for example, you will receive your payment on July 17. You can track your application status through the myPFD system on the official website.
How to Apply for the PFD
Applying for the PFD is free, and you can do it online or by mail. But before you apply, make sure you have these things:
A current Alaska ID (like a driver’s license or state ID).
Proof of residence in Alaska for the entire previous year.
Your Social Security card or number.
Your bank details if you prefer direct deposit (checks take longer to arrive).
Be careful to meet the application deadline of March 31. If you miss it, you will have to wait until next year to apply. Make sure everything is correct, especially your bank details. One mistake can delay your payment for months.
Also, note that the PFD offices will be closed from July 7-18, 2025, for processing applications. During this time, don’t expect anyone to answer the phone or emails.
Taxes and Security Concerns
One good thing about the PFD is that Alaska does not tax the money you receive. However, the federal government does, and you must report the amount as income when filing your tax return.
Also, be aware of scams during PFD season. Fraudsters often try to trick people into giving personal details. Remember, the PFD office will never ask for your passwords or private information by text or email. Always double-check anything you receive to make sure it’s from an official source.
The Permanent Fund Dividend is a great way for Alaskans to receive a share of the state’s resource wealth. But you must follow the rules carefully to qualify.
Make sure you meet the residency requirements, apply on time, and be cautious about your personal information to avoid scams. If you stay on top of these things, you can enjoy the benefits of this annual payment.
