In 2025, Alaska residents can expect the arrival of Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) stimulus checks, with payments ranging between $1,000 and $3,900 per person. The funds come from the state’s oil revenues and will be distributed to over 600,000 residents. These payments are projected to begin in October, following the state’s historical calendar.
How Much Could You Receive in 2025?
The exact amount of the PFD payment depends on the state’s oil profits and the performance of the investment portfolio. For 2025, there are two potential scenarios:
- $1,400: This amount would be paid out if only a partial distribution is made.
- $3,900: This is the full payment if the complete formula is applied.
Historical PFD Payment Amounts
The PFD is a well-established program in Alaska, and the amount given each year can fluctuate based on oil revenue and investment returns. Here are the PFD amounts for the past few years:
- 2024: $1,702
- 2023: $1,312
- 2022: $3,284 (including an additional energy assistance payment)
- 2021: $1,114
- 2020: $992
- 2019: $1,606
- 2018: $1,600
- 2017: $1,100
- 2016: $1,022
- 2015: $2,072
These payments reflect the ups and downs of oil profits, which directly influence the size of the PFD checks distributed each year.
What is the PFD Program?
The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program was established in 1976 as a way to share Alaska’s oil profits with its residents. It is funded by the Alaska Permanent Fund, which was set up after the state earned $900 million from oil leases in Prudhoe Bay in 1969. Initially, the state used this money for infrastructure, but the need for a sustainable source of income led to the creation of the permanent fund.
In 1980, the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation was established to manage investments independently. The first PFD payment was made in 1982, with each eligible resident receiving $1,000. The program has evolved since then, and in 2024, the PFD distributed over $1 billion to eligible residents, with each person receiving $1,702.
When Will the PFD Stimulus Payments Arrive in 2025?
In October 2025, the state will begin distributing PFD payments:
- Direct Deposits: Starting on October 3, 2025.
- Physical Checks: Starting on October 26, 2025.
The payment schedule ensures that over 600,000 residents receive the funds in an orderly and efficient manner.
Requirements for Receiving the PFD in 2025
To qualify for the PFD, applicants must meet several key residency and eligibility requirements:
- Continuous Residency: Applicants must have lived in Alaska for the entire 2024 calendar year and must intend to remain in the state.
- Allowed Absences: You can be absent from Alaska for up to 180 days in 2024, with exceptions for education, health reasons, or military service.
- Physical Presence Requirement: A minimum of 72 consecutive hours of physical presence in Alaska in 2023 or 2024 is required.
- Felony Convictions: Individuals with felony convictions in 2024 or those incarcerated for certain misdemeanors are excluded from eligibility.
- Immigration Status: Only U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or refugees are eligible to receive the PFD.
Applications for the 2025 PFD were accepted between January 1 and March 31, 2025. If you missed the deadline, you’ll need to wait until 2026 to apply.
Special Exceptions for Some SSDI or SSI Recipients
Certain groups, like those receiving SSDI or SSI benefits, may also be eligible for the PFD. For example, individuals who have received benefits before May 1997, or those receiving both SSDI and SSI, may receive their payments earlier. However, those exceptions are limited and subject to additional rules.
Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) provides a unique opportunity for its residents to benefit from the state’s oil revenues, with $1,000 to $3,900 payments available in 2025.
To qualify for the stimulus check, applicants must meet residency requirements and comply with state laws. The payments, set to begin in October 2025, offer a welcome financial boost to thousands of residents, many of whom rely on this extra support to cover essential living expenses.
