The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a yearly payment given to eligible residents from the state’s oil revenue savings. In 2025, there’s a big debate about how much this payment should be. While Governor Mike Dunleavy wants to give one of the highest amounts in history, others are worried about the state’s financial health.
Governor’s Proposal vs. Lawmakers’ Plans
In December 2024, Governor Dunleavy suggested giving every eligible Alaskan a PFD of $3,892. This would be the biggest payment in many years. But the problem is that it would also create a multi-billion-dollar budget gap, because Alaska is already expecting a $600 million deficit in 2025-2026.
Due to this, lawmakers in the Alaska Legislature are pushing back. The House has voted to lower the payment to $1,400 per person. The Senate wants to reduce it even more — to just $1,000.
This has led to a heated debate. Some leaders want to use money from savings (the constitutional reserve account) to fund the full payment. Others warn that using up savings will only make the state’s financial problems worse in the long run.
Why the PFD Amount is Still Uncertain
Governor Dunleavy strongly supports the $3,892 amount. He believes it’s the right thing to do for Alaskans, many of whom rely on this money for daily needs. But lawmakers, especially in the Senate, want a more cautious approach that doesn’t dip into savings.
So far, there’s no final decision. Everything depends on ongoing negotiations in the Legislature. The decision is expected before the spring session ends.
PFD 2025 Application Dates and Process
The application period for the 2025 PFD began on January 1, 2025, and ended on March 31, 2025. Applications could be submitted online at myAlaska or by mailing paper forms postmarked before the deadline.
Who Can Apply for the 2025 PFD?
To qualify for the 2025 PFD, you must:
- Have lived in Alaska all of 2024.
- Not have claimed residency or benefits from any other state.
- Have been physically present in Alaska for at least 72 hours in 2023 or 2024.
- Have no more than 180 days of absence (some exceptions allowed, like school or military).
- Not have been jailed for serious crimes in 2024.
- Guardians must apply separately for children, and documents like birth certificates might be needed.
When Will the 2025 PFD Be Paid?
Although exact dates aren’t confirmed, payments are likely to follow the same schedule as in 2024. That means direct deposit payments could start in early October, while paper checks may be sent later in the month.
Note: In 2024, there was a $298 energy supplement included. That extra amount will not be included in the 2025 payment.
Best Way to Apply for Faster Payment
The fastest and easiest way to apply is online through the myAlaska portal. You can sign your form electronically, and the system is quick and simple. In fact, 93% of people used this method in 2024.
If you applied by mail, your form had to be postmarked by March 31, 2025. For faster payment, choose direct deposit, and make sure your bank and mailing info is current.
Delays can happen if documents are missing, especially for children or those applying for the first time.
Short History of the PFD
The PFD program started in 1976 to share oil money with residents. The first payment in 1982 was $1,000 per person. Over the years, the amount has changed based on oil profits and state budgets.
In 2016, a formula was created to set the PFD based on the fund’s five-year average income. But political arguments have caused changes. For example, in 2022, the payout was a record $3,284 due to high oil profits. In 2023, it dropped to $1,312.
For 2024, the total was $1,702, including the energy supplement. Now, with oil prices lower and state money tight, leaders are debating how much to give in 2025.