About Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend Stimulus Payment

PFD Update for 2025

• Expected Amount: The 2025 PFD amount is not yet finalized. Check back here or the official PFD website after the state legislature approves the budget in the spring. (Last year’s 2024 dividend was $1,312).
• Application Period: The application for the 2025 PFD is expected to open on January 1, 2025, and close on March 31, 2025.
• Expected Payment: If you apply on time and are approved, payments typically begin in October 2025.

What is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)?

The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is an annual cash payment distributed to every eligible Alaskan resident. It is not a government stimulus or welfare check. The money comes from the earnings of the Alaska Permanent Fund, a state-owned investment fund established by a constitutional amendment in 1976.

The core idea is simple: Alaska’s oil and mineral resources belong to all its residents. Instead of spending all the revenue when it’s earned, the state saves a portion in the Permanent Fund. The fund’s investments generate earnings, and a share of those earnings is paid out directly to the people each year. This creates a long-term financial benefit for individuals and injects hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy annually.

Key Concept: Think of it as the state’s collective savings account, where every resident gets an annual dividend from the investment profits.

Am I Eligible for the PFD? The Complete Checklist

Eligibility is strict and based primarily on Alaska residency. You must prove you made Alaska your permanent home and intended to stay indefinitely during the entire qualifying year.

The Qualifying Year: For the 2025 PFD payment, the “qualifying year” was January 1 – December 31, 2024.

You ARE Eligible if you:

Were an Alaska resident for all of 2024.
Intended to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely (not just for a job or school).
Were physically present in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours in 2024 (to establish residency if new).
Have not been absent from Alaska for more than 180 days in 2024, unless for an “allowable absence” (see below).
Were not incarcerated or convicted of a state felony or two+ misdemeanors during 2024.
Were not absent for 180+ days due to a felony conviction or incarceration.

What is an “Allowable Absence”?

You can still be eligible if you were gone more than 180 days in 2024 for specific reasons, including:

• Attending college or vocational training.
• Receiving continuous medical treatment for yourself or a family member.
• Serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Full-time employment for an Alaska employer or the federal government.
• Accompanying a minor child or spouse who is absent for an allowable reason.

You are NOT Eligible if you:
Were a resident of another state or country at any point in 2024.
Were absent for more than 180 days without an allowable reason.
Were sentenced for a felony or incarcerated during the qualifying year.
Claimed residency in another state to avoid Alaska taxes or get other benefits.
Received a PFD or other benefit as a resident of another state.

How to Apply for the PFD: A Step-by-Step Guide

You must apply every year, even if you received a PFD before. The process is online, but paper applications are available by request.

Typical Annual Timeline:

• January 1: Application period opens.
• March 31: Application period closes (STRICT DEADLINE).
• Spring/Summer: Applications are processed, with status updates in “myAlaska”.
• Early Fall: The dividend amount is officially announced.
• October: Payments begin for timely, eligible applicants.

Step-by-Step Application via “myAlaska”

Gather Your Documents: You will need Social Security Numbers for yourself and all dependents, and a valid Alaska driver’s license or state ID.

Create or Log in to your “myAlaska” Account: Go to the official myAlaska portal.

Find the PFD Application: Once logged in, navigate to the “Permanent Fund Dividend” section and select “Apply for a Dividend.”

Fill Out the Application Carefully:

• Confirm your personal details and address.
• Answer all eligibility questions truthfully.
• Add eligible dependents (e.g., minor children).
• Select your payment method (Direct Deposit is highly recommended for fastest payment).

Review and Submit: Double-check all information for errors. Submit the application before the March 31 deadline. So you will receive a confirmation number.

Pro Tip: Save your confirmation number and check your application status online periodically. The most common reasons for delays are missing information or unresolved eligibility questions.

PFD Amounts & Payment Dates: What to Expect

How is the PFD Amount Determined?

The amount is not fixed. It changes every year based on a formula set by law, which considers:

• The performance of the Permanent Fund’s investments over the last five years.
• Inflation-proofing transfers to the fund’s principal.
• Legislative appropriations and decisions on the amount of the draw from earnings.

The final number is proposed by the Governor and must be approved by the Alaska State Legislature, usually as part of the annual state budget process.

PFD Amounts Over Recent Years

Note: The 2022 amount was exceptionally high due to a one-time supplemental energy relief payment added to the standard dividend.

When Will I Get Paid?

• For Timely Applicants: Payments begin in early October each year.
• Direct Deposit vs. Paper Check: Those who choose direct deposit receive their money first, usually within the first week of the payment period. Paper checks are mailed shortly after and take longer to arrive.
• If You Apply Late: Applications received after March 31 are considered late and are processed last, resulting in payment delays, often until the following spring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I have to apply for the PFD every single year?
A: Yes. You must submit a new application during the January-March period for each year’s dividend. It is not automatic.

Q: What happens if I miss the March 31 deadline?
A: Your application will be considered “late.” Late applications are processed after all on-time applications and may not be paid until the following year (e.g., a late 2025 application might not be paid until spring 2026). There is no guarantee a late application will be accepted.

Q: Is the PFD money taxable?
A: Yes. The PFD is considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and must be reported on your federal tax return. Alaska does not have a state income tax, so it is not taxed at the state level.

Q: Can I get the PFD if I now live outside Alaska?
A: It depends on your intent and circumstances during the qualifying year. If you established Alaska residency but were absent for an allowable reason (like military service or college), you may still qualify. However, if you moved away and established permanent residency elsewhere, you are likely no longer eligible.

Q: How do I update my bank account or mailing address for my PFD?
A: You must update your information through your “myAlaska” account. Do this well before the payment distribution begins in October to avoid delays or lost checks.

Q: I think I made a mistake on my application. What should I do?
A: Log into your “myAlaska” account as soon as possible to check your application status. If an issue is flagged, you may be able to submit corrected information online. For complex issues, contact the PFD Division directly.

Official Resources & Important Links

For the absolute latest, most accurate information, always refer to the official sources:

• Official PFD Division Website: Alaska Department of Revenue, PFD
• Apply & Check Status: myAlaska Portal
• Official Rules & Statutes: Alaska PFD Statutes
• Contact the PFD Division: Phone: (907) 269-0370 | Email: pfd.questions@alaska.gov

Disclaimer

This guide is created for informational purposes to help Alaska residents understand the Permanent Fund Dividend program. It summarizes complex rules and is not a substitute for official legal advice or the State of Alaska’s definitive rules. Program details, amounts, and dates are subject to change by the Alaska Legislature and the Department of Revenue.

For binding decisions about your eligibility or application, always refer to the official Alaska Department of Revenue, Permanent Fund Dividend Division website and communications.