The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a yearly cash payment given to eligible residents of Alaska. It comes from the state’s oil wealth savings, known as the Alaska Permanent Fund. Every year, people look forward to this money, but the final amount often changes due to politics and the state’s budget situation.
In 2025, the amount is still being debated. Governor Mike Dunleavy wants to give every resident $3,900, but the Alaska Senate and House of Representatives are suggesting much lower figures—$1,000 and $1,400. The final amount will be decided after both sides come to an agreement.
Why There’s No Final Decision Yet
Alaska is facing a $1.8 billion budget deficit, making it difficult to approve large PFD payments.
The Senate’s $1,000 proposal is part of a plan to cut state spending by $265 million, while the House’s $1,400 proposal, approved in April, follows a recent method where 25% of the fund’s yearly earnings are shared as dividends.
Both numbers are far from the Governor’s $3,900, which follows an old formula that hasn’t been used since the 1980s. Many lawmakers think this amount is too high and could damage the state’s finances in the long term.
PFD History: How Much Has It Been in Recent Years?
The PFD amount changes each year, depending on how much money the fund earns and what lawmakers decide.
- 2020: $992
- 2022: $3,284
- 2023: $1,312
- 2024: $1,702 (including a $295 energy relief payment)
These changes show how unpredictable the PFD can be. In 2025, some say the amount may fall between $1,000 and $1,400, but nothing is final yet. A decision may come in September, like in past years.
Will You Get the $3,900 Proposal?
It’s very unlikely, although Governor Dunleavy supports it. Many lawmakers say the state simply doesn’t have enough money to pay such a large amount. Using so much from the fund in one year could hurt Alaska’s finances in the future.
The Senate and House prefer lower payouts that keep the Permanent Fund strong, even if that means giving out less now. So, while the $3,900 figure is popular with residents, it may not be practical.
Payouts for Old and Pending Applications
Before the 2025 amount is decided, some people are still receiving payments from past years. Here’s the upcoming payment schedule for 2024 and earlier applications marked as “Eligible-Not Paid”:
- April 17, 2025 (if eligible as of April 9)
- May 15, 2025 (if eligible as of May 7)
- June 18, 2025 (if eligible as of June 11)
These payments are for those who didn’t receive their 2024 dividend or had pending eligibility issues. In 2024, the PFD was $1,702, which included a $1,360 base dividend and a $295 energy relief payment.
Who Qualifies for Alaska’s PFD?
To receive the PFD, you must meet strict rules:
- Be an Alaska resident for the entire year before applying
- Plan to stay in Alaska indefinitely
- Only take temporary absences for reasons like education, military service, or medical treatment
- Not claim residency in any other state
- Have no felony convictions or outstanding legal issues
- Apply before the deadline – this year, it was March 31, 2025
- Show proof of residence (like utility bills or lease agreements)
Minors need a parent or guardian to submit the application for them.
If you meet all these conditions, you’ll get your payment in October, although the final amount depends on what lawmakers decide.