The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is getting ready to send out new payments in 2025. Many Alaska residents look forward to this money every year, as it gives them a share of the state’s oil wealth.
If you live in Alaska and are eligible, this article will help you understand everything about the PFD program, including payment dates, how much you might get, who qualifies, and how to avoid scams.
What Is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)?
The PFD is a yearly payment that the state of Alaska gives to permanent residents. It started in 1982 and is meant to share the profits from Alaska’s oil with the people who live there. The money comes from investments made using the Alaska Permanent Fund, which includes stocks, real estate, and other assets.
How Much Was Paid in 2024?
In 2024, the PFD payment was $1,702. Because of that, many people expect the 2025 amount to be close to the same. However, the final figure depends on how much money the state earns from its oil and other investments.
2025 Payment Schedule
If you’re eligible and haven’t been paid yet, here’s what you need to know:
- Residents marked as “Eligible-Not Paid” by May 7, 2025, will get their PFD payment on May 15, 2025.
- Another group of qualified residents will receive their payments on June 18, 2025.
There may be other payments later in the year, so it’s important to keep checking your status.
Where Does the PFD Money Come From?
The money for PFD checks comes from the Alaska Permanent Fund. This fund is built from the state’s oil money. Instead of spending all of that income, the state invests it in things like:
- Real estate
- Stock markets
- Bonds
The fund grows from these investments, and the profits are used to give back to Alaskans.
Are You Eligible for the PFD?
To get the PFD, you must meet certain rules:
- You must have lived in Alaska the entire year of 2023.
- You must plan to stay in Alaska permanently.
- You cannot have serious criminal convictions.
- You must meet income limits and pass background checks.
- Immigration status must be clear and legal.
Children can also get the payment, but their parent or guardian must apply for them and meet the same requirements. If you moved to or from Alaska, or changed your immigration status in 2023, you may not qualify.
How to Check Your PFD Status
To check if your payment is coming, visit the myPFD platform online. If you moved or changed your address, you must update it using a form on the official website. Changes can take up to 10 business days to process. You cannot make changes by phone.
Past Payment Amounts Over the Last 10 Years
From 2014 to 2024, the PFD payments have changed a lot. Some years paid just over $1,000, while others went as high as $2,100. For example:
- In 2023, people received $1,312.
- In 2020, during COVID-19, there was a faster payment that felt like a stimulus check.
- Some years also included extra energy relief payments.
Though it’s not officially called a stimulus check, many residents treat it like one—especially in hard times.
Do You Have to Pay Tax on the PFD?
Yes, the PFD is counted as income by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). You will receive a 1099-MISC form for tax filing. Dependents and children must include their payment amounts in their or their parent’s tax returns. There are no exemptions for the 2025 payments.
Watch Out for Scams
The PFD department has warned people about fake websites and scammers who promise faster payments or ask for fees. The real application process is always free. Official communication will always come from a .gov website (https://gov.alaska.gov/). Never share your details with unofficial sources.