In 2025, Alaska will issue one of the highest-ever Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) payments — $1,702 per eligible resident. This payment is split into two parts: $298.17 for energy costs and $1,403.83 as direct cash support. This marks a 30% increase over 2024, offering much-needed financial relief to Alaskan families.
However, the rising cost of living, declining oil revenues, and political tensions could put the future of this program at risk.
Let’s understand who qualifies for the 2025 PFD, payment dates, and the current challenges facing this long-standing Alaskan benefit.
Who Is Eligible for the Alaska PFD Stimulus Check?
To receive the $1,702 PFD payment, Alaskan residents must meet three mandatory conditions:
- Lived in Alaska for the entire year prior to applying
- Physically present in Alaska for at least 72 hours during the past two years
- No serious criminal convictions in the last year
Those who submitted their applications before March 31, 2024, will receive their payment on April 17, 2025.
If you missed the deadline, you might still be eligible for previous PFD payments. As long as your status is marked as “Eligible-Not Paid” before April 9, 2025, you can claim it online or by mail.
Why the PFD Program May Be at Risk
The Permanent Fund Dividend, established in 1976, is funded through profits from Alaska’s oil revenues. But in 2025, the fund is facing new challenges:
- Oil revenue is declining
- Public education needs more funding
- Political debate over how to fill the budget gap
Here are the three main options lawmakers are discussing:
- Withdraw funds from the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) – Requires a two-thirds approval in Congress, which is difficult due to political disagreements.
- Take more money from the Permanent Fund – This could harm the state’s credit rating.
- Increase taxes – Opposed by Governor Mike Dunleavy, who has promised to veto any tax hikes.
Two proposed bills — SB 92 and SB 112 — aimed at collecting $340 million from oil companies are currently stalled in the legislature.
Without a solution, future PFD payments could drop below $1,000, and essential services could face heavy cuts.
CARES Act Stimulus Checks for Americans Abroad – Final Chance to Claim
Americans living outside the U.S. can still claim unclaimed stimulus checks from the CARES Act passed in March 2020 — but the final deadline was April 15, 2024.
Here’s what you could have claimed:
- $1,200 per individual
- $2,400 per couple
- $500 per eligible child
To claim, individuals had to:
- File tax returns for 2018 or 2019, or
- Register using Form 1040 or 1040-SR with the Refund Recovery Credit (RRC) in their 2020 tax return
Even if you’re an expatriate with no tax obligation, you were eligible.
After April 15, 2024, any unclaimed money is returned to the U.S. Treasury and can no longer be claimed. The IRS suggests checking your status through the “Get My Payment” tool or by speaking to a tax professional.