Have you ever heard of a state that literally pays its residents just for living there? That’s exactly what Alaska does through its Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). And in 2025, eligible Alaskans are looking at a payout of $1,702 per person—a nice boost that arrives just in time to help with rising living costs.
What Exactly Is the Alaska PFD?
Back in 1976, Alaska set aside part of its oil wealth to create the Permanent Fund, making sure future generations would benefit from the state’s natural resources. Today, that money is invested in everything from real estate to stocks, and each year, a portion of the earnings is shared with the people of Alaska. It’s like a thank-you check for being a resident.
2025 PFD Amount and Payment Breakdown
For 2025, the payout is expected to be $1,702 per eligible resident. The amount comes from two parts:
- $1,403.83 as the standard dividend
- $298.17 added on as energy assistance
While the PFD amount changes year to year depending on oil revenues and the state budget, this year’s check is on par with 2024.
Key Dates You Need to Know
- Application Period: February 1 – April 2025
- First Payment Date (expected): August 21, 2025
- Additional distributions are scheduled for September 11, October 2, and October 23, depending on application status.
Eligibility Rules
Not everyone qualifies—here are the basics:
- Must have lived in Alaska for the whole of 2024 with plans to stay permanently.
- Must have spent at least 72 hours in Alaska during 2023 or 2024.
- Absences longer than 180 days are only excused for school, military service, or medical treatment.
- People with serious criminal convictions in 2024 are disqualified.
- Applications after March 31, 2025, won’t be accepted.
Even minors can qualify, but a parent or guardian must file for them.
How to Apply
Applying is pretty simple:
- Visit pfd.alaska.gov.
- Log in or create a myAlaska account.
- Fill out the application with your personal and residency details.
- Submit proof if you were temporarily absent from Alaska.
- Double-check everything before the April deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the deadline (there are no late applications).
- Entering outdated banking or mailing details.
- Forgetting to report time away from Alaska.
- Not providing the right documents.
Tax Reminder
Alaska doesn’t tax the PFD—but Uncle Sam does. The IRS treats the $1,702 payment as taxable income. Be sure to report it on your 2025 tax return.
Why It Matters
For many families, the PFD check isn’t just extra cash—it helps cover essentials like heating bills, groceries, or back-to-school shopping. In a state where costs run higher than much of the U.S., this annual dividend plays a big role in household budgets.
In short: If you live in Alaska and qualify, don’t miss out. Apply on time, keep your info updated, and expect a nice $1,702 check starting in August 2025.