The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)—a yearly payment funded by the state’s oil revenues—is once again at the center of a major public and political discussion. Starting April 17, 2025, eligible Alaskan residents will receive $1,702, a 30% increase from the 2024 amount. But questions remain about how long this generous program can continue without major changes.
What Is the 2025 PFD Payment Made Of?
This year’s $1,702 payment will be divided into two parts:
- $298.17 – For energy-related expenses
- $1,403.83 – As a direct cash payment to the resident
This total marks a 30% increase from the previous year’s PFD, but it has raised fresh concerns about the long-term sustainability of the fund.
Who Can Receive the 2025 Alaska PFD?
To qualify for this year’s PFD, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Live in Alaska continuously for the past 12 months
- Be physically present in the state for at least 72 hours in the last two years
- Have no felony convictions in the last year
- Applied by March 31, 2024
If you missed the deadline, you may still be eligible to receive a past payment under the “Eligible–Not Paid” status.
Challenges to the PFD’s Future
While residents are happy to receive this year’s payment, lawmakers are debating how to keep the program alive in the face of:
- Declining oil revenues
- Rising demands for education funding
If no action is taken, experts warn that the PFD could fall below $1,000 in the future. Lawmakers are considering three main options:
- Withdraw emergency funds (CBR) – Needs a two-thirds vote in Congress, which is difficult due to political divides
- Use more of the Permanent Fund – Easier to pass, but risks lowering the state’s credit rating
- Raise taxes on oil companies – Through Senate Bills 92 and 112, aiming to collect $340 million per year
However, Governor Mike Dunleavy has already promised to veto any new taxes, making the situation more complex.
You May Still Be Eligible for a $1,400 Federal Stimulus Check
While Alaska debates its PFD, Americans in all 50 states still have a chance to claim up to $1,400 from the third round of federal stimulus checks, approved back in 2021.
If you did not receive this check, you have until April 15, 2025 to claim it by filing a 2021 tax return and requesting the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Who Is Eligible?
- Individuals with 2021 income up to $75,000
- Married couples with income up to $150,000
- You can also claim $1,400 for dependents, including college students or elderly parents
Even if you had no income, you can still file using the IRS Free File tool. Many community organizations are also offering free help.
Deadline Is April 15, 2025 – Act Now
The IRS has already sent over 1 million automatic payments since December 2023, but only for those who filed taxes but missed claiming the credit.
If you never filed your 2021 return, you must do so before April 15, 2025. Experts warn that system delays and overloads may happen near the deadline, so it’s best to act early.
If you are mailing your tax return, use certified mail to ensure proof of delivery.