The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is one of the most unique government programs in the United States. Every year, eligible residents of Alaska receive a cash payment from the state, funded by oil revenues invested in the Alaska Permanent Fund.
While often compared to stimulus checks, the PFD is actually very different—it is based on a sovereign wealth fund model that has been running successfully for decades.
What is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)?
The Permanent Fund Dividend is an annual payment given to Alaskan residents. It is managed by the Alaska Department of Revenue through the Permanent Fund Dividend Division. The program started in 1982 and has already distributed more than $28 billion till 2024.
The fund was originally created in 1976 with money from oil revenues, with the goal of sharing resource wealth with future generations. Unlike federal stimulus checks, this program is not about short-term relief but about long-term wealth sharing.
For 2025, each eligible Alaskan will receive $1,702. Payments will begin from August 2025, and the amount is slightly higher than last year.
How is the PFD Payment Amount Decided?
The amount of the dividend is not fixed. It depends on how the Permanent Fund performs financially. A formula looks at:
The average fund value from the past five years
A percentage applied to this value
Subtraction of administrative costs
However, the final decision also depends on the state legislature, meaning politics often plays a role. This balance of formula plus political approval has been part of the system since the beginning.
Who is Eligible for the 2025 Alaska PFD?
The eligibility rules are strict and carefully monitored. Here’s what residents need to qualify:
Must have lived in Alaska for the entire 2024 calendar year
Must intend to remain a permanent resident of Alaska
Cannot claim residency in another state or country after December 31, 2023
Must be physically present in Alaska for at least 72 hours during 2023 or 2024
Cannot have absences longer than 180 days unless for approved reasons (like education, medical care, or military service)
There are also criminal-related exclusions:
Anyone convicted of a felony in 2024 is not eligible
Anyone jailed for a felony in 2024 is not eligible
Anyone jailed for a misdemeanor in Alaska is excluded if they have a past felony or at least two misdemeanors since January 1, 1997
How to Apply for the 2025 Alaska PFD?
The application window for the 2025 PFD was open from January 1 to March 31, 2025. Applications can be submitted in two ways:
Online through the myAlaska secure platform (recommended)
Paper form (slower, but available)
Applicants must provide proof of residency, such as an Alaska driver’s license, state tax records, or utility bills. They must also provide direct deposit details for faster payment.
For minors, the application must be filled out by a parent or legal guardian.
Application Status and Payment Details
Once submitted, applications go through verification using state and federal records. Applicants may see different statuses like:
“Eligible – Not Paid”
“In Review”
“Denied”
It is very important for applicants to update their address or bank details by August 31, 2025, otherwise payments may be delayed. Updates are not accepted over the phone.
This year’s payments of $1,702 will begin rolling out from August 2025.
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend is more than just free money—it is a unique model of sharing natural resource wealth with the people. By saving and investing oil revenues, Alaska has built a system that provides financial support to its residents every year.
With clear eligibility rules, an organised application system, and direct benefit to households, the PFD stands as an example of how resource-rich regions can create long-term value for their people.
