With just a few days remaining, Alaska residents are eagerly anticipating the first 2025 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) checks, set to arrive soon. The program is a major benefit for nearly half a million residents, providing a portion of the state’s resource revenue.
If you’re wondering whether you qualify or how to track your payment, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the PFD and Who Gets It?
The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program, which began in 1976, allows Alaska residents to receive a share of the state’s oil revenue. To qualify for the 2025 PFD, applicants must meet strict residency requirements:
Full-year residency: You must have lived in Alaska continuously from January 1 to December 31, 2024. If you were a part-time resident (less than 12 months), you won’t be eligible.
Intent to remain in Alaska permanently: This means you must show a genuine plan to stay in the state. Acceptable absences include work travel, school semesters, medical treatments, or military deployments, but any absence exceeding 180 days without proper justification will disqualify you.
How Much Will You Get?
The PFD amount varies each year based on investment performance and state legislative decisions. In 2024, the payment was $1,702. The 2025 payout will be announced in September 2025, but payments won’t actually be distributed until 2026.
PFD amounts have fluctuated over the years, with the lowest payout being $331.29 in 1984 and the highest being $3,284 in 2022.
Important Payment Dates for 2025
The 2025 PFD payments will be distributed on three specific dates, based on when your application reaches the “Eligible-Not Paid” status:
June 18, 2025: Applications that reach “Eligible-Not Paid” before June 11, 2025
July 17, 2025: Applications that reach “Eligible-Not Paid” before July 9, 2025
August 21, 2025: Applications that reach “Eligible-Not Paid” before August 13, 2025
If your application reaches “Eligible-Not Paid” before July 9, 2025, expect your payment on July 17, 2025. You can track your application status using the myPFD portal on the official PFD website.
The Non-Negotiable Eligibility Rules
To qualify for the PFD, you must meet two non-negotiable requirements:
- Full residency in Alaska for the entire 2024 calendar year (January 1 – December 31).
- Intent to stay in Alaska permanently.
Absences exceeding 180 days in 2024 will disqualify you unless they were related to work, education, medical, or military purposes. Other reasons, like being incarcerated or convicted of a felony during 2024, will also disqualify you from receiving the PFD.
PFD Application Deadline – Are You Still on Time?
The application process is free and can be done online or by mail. To apply, you’ll need the following documents:
A valid Alaska ID (driver’s license or state ID card)
Proof of full-year 2024 residency
Your Social Security number
Bank details for direct deposit (this is optional but highly recommended to avoid delays)
The March 31 deadline has already passed, and if you missed it, you will need to wait until the next application window to apply for next year’s PFD. Be sure to check your information carefully before submitting—especially your bank details—because a simple typo could delay your payment for months.
Temporary Office Closures and How to Stay Updated
For those planning to visit or call the physical PFD offices, note that they will be closed from July 7 to July 18, 2025. Staff will still process applications and payments during this time, but you won’t be able to reach them via phone or in person. However, the myPFD online portal will remain active for any inquiries or updates.
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend is a significant benefit for residents, but ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements and apply on time is crucial to receiving your payment. Remember, you must have lived in Alaska for the full 2024 year and intend to stay indefinitely.
Make sure to track your application and apply for next year’s PFD if you missed the deadline this year. With the changes coming in 2025, getting ready now will help ensure you don’t miss out on this important financial support.
