Every fall, while most states are talking about property taxes and heating bills, Alaska does something… different. Instead of asking residents for more money, it sends them a check. And not a tiny “thanks for participating” amount either — this year’s payout is expected to be $1,702 per person. It’s part of the state’s famous Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), and for thousands of Alaskans, it’s as much a tradition as the first snow.
If you live in Alaska, meet the requirements, and filed your application on time, that direct deposit could land in your account as soon as August 21, 2025. For everyone else in the Lower 48 eyeing the headlines — sorry, this one’s locals only.
What Exactly Is the Alaska PFD?
The Alaska Permanent Fund was born in 1976 as a way to save part of the state’s oil revenue for future generations. Managed by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, the fund invests in a mix of stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets. Each year, a portion of the earnings (about 5%) is distributed to residents who meet specific requirements.
The 2024 dividend was $1,403.83, plus an energy relief bonus of $298.17 approved by lawmakers — together making the $1,702 many residents will see in 2025 payments. While the final 2025 figure hasn’t been officially locked in, state officials expect it to be roughly the same.
Who Qualifies for the $1,702?
Eligibility is more than just having an Alaska mailing address. The state has a pretty tight checklist:
| Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must have lived in Alaska for the entire prior year (2024 for the 2025 PFD) |
| No other residency claims | You can’t receive benefits or claim residency in another state or country |
| Clean legal record | No felony convictions or certain misdemeanors in the qualifying year |
| Absence limit | You can’t have been gone from Alaska for more than 180 days unless for approved reasons (military, medical, education) |
| Application deadline | Must file between February 1 – April 2025 |
Even kids qualify — but parents or guardians have to submit applications for them.
Payment Schedule for 2025
The state doesn’t just drop all the payments on one day. Instead, it processes batches based on application status:
- August 21, 2025 — For applications in “Eligible-Not Paid” status as of August 13
- September 11, 2025 — For eligibility status as of September 3
- October 2, 2025 — For eligibility status as of September 18
- October 23, 2025 — For eligibility status as of October 13
Earlier in the year, some May and June deposits are made for late-processed prior-year applications.
How to Apply (If You Haven’t Yet)
The process is straightforward but time-sensitive:
- Head to pfd.alaska.gov
- Sign in with your myAlaska account or create one
- Fill in your personal and residency details
- Upload proof if you were temporarily absent
- Double-check your banking info
- Submit before the April deadline
Miss the deadline? Unfortunately, Alaska doesn’t do late entries — you’ll have to wait until 2026.
Common Mistakes That Could Cost You
- Forgetting to file before April
- Providing incorrect bank routing or account numbers
- Not disclosing absences
- Failing to provide documents for exceptions
Any of these can delay your payment or result in outright denial.
Tax Time Reminder
While Alaska won’t tax your PFD, the IRS certainly will. The $1,702 counts as taxable income, so you’ll need to report it on your 2025 return. If you’re worried about a surprise bill, you can adjust your federal withholding now.
Why It Matters
For some households, the PFD is vacation money. For others, it’s a lifeline — covering fuel oil, groceries, or overdue bills before winter hits hard. The combination of a stable payout and the energy relief bonus makes it even more meaningful in a state where the cost of living is among the highest in the U.S.
Fact Check
The $1,702 payment is real, but it’s not a nationwide stimulus check. It’s Alaska’s annual Permanent Fund Dividend, funded by oil revenue and investment earnings. Only residents who meet strict eligibility rules will receive it. For official information, the only safe source is pfd.alaska.gov — avoid social media “claim your stimulus” ads, as these are often scams.
FAQs:
Is the $1,702 payment guaranteed for 2025?
It’s the expected amount based on the 2024 payout, but the final figure will be confirmed by the state later in 2025.
Can I apply if I moved to Alaska in 2024?
Yes — if you were a resident for the entire year and meet all other requirements.
Is the PFD paid in one lump sum?
Yes, each eligible resident gets the full amount in a single deposit or check.
