Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a unique program that shares the wealth generated from the state’s oil revenues with its residents. Since its establishment in 1976, this program has helped provide financial assistance to Alaskans by distributing a portion of the profits from the state’s natural resources.
How Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend Works
The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is funded by the profits earned from Alaska’s natural resources, particularly oil. The profits are invested globally, and each year, a portion of the average net return is calculated. This amount is then distributed to eligible Alaskan residents.
The PFD serves as a direct transfer of the state’s wealth to its residents, promoting a direct link between the state’s oil resources and its population. The value of the distribution depends on the fund’s performance over the years, and it can fluctuate based on how well the investments do. It is a way of ensuring that Alaskans benefit from the state’s natural wealth.
What Was the PFD Amount for 2024, and What to Expect for 2025?
In 2024, the PFD total was $1,702 per person, which included both the regular dividend and an energy supplement. The regular dividend amounted to $1,403.83, which is determined by the fund’s performance. On top of this, an energy assistance supplement of $298.17 was added to help Alaskans with the high costs of heating and electricity.
For 2025, the expected PFD amount is likely to be similar to 2024’s total, but the final amount is still to be confirmed. The regular dividend will likely follow the same formula, while the energy supplement may be adjusted based on the state’s energy costs.
Eligibility Requirements for Receiving the PFD
To qualify for the PFD in 2025, residents must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Residency: Applicants must have lived in Alaska for the entire year of 2024. You must also intend to remain a permanent resident of Alaska.
- Absence Limits: Absences from Alaska cannot exceed 180 days in 2024. However, there are exceptions, such as for military service, education, or emergency situations, but you must provide documentation for these exceptions.
- Physical Presence: To demonstrate a continuous relationship with the state, you must have physically been in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours within the last 24 months.
- Legal Restrictions: If you were convicted of felonies or multiple misdemeanors in 2024, you will be disqualified. Additionally, if you have received official benefits or identification from another state, you will also lose eligibility for the PFD.
These criteria ensure that only residents with a genuine, ongoing connection to Alaska are eligible to receive the dividend.
Tentative PFD Payment Schedule for 2025
The PFD payments are distributed in several waves throughout the year, with eligibility confirmations determining when each resident will receive their payment.
- First Wave (May 15, 2025): This payment covered applications marked “Eligible – Not Paid” through May 7.
- Second Wave (June 18, 2025): This wave will include applications marked “Eligible – Not Paid” through June 11, 2025. Residents should make sure to check their status by this deadline to ensure they are included in this round of payments.
- Future Waves (July and August 2025): Additional distribution rounds are planned for July and August. These will be based on the final confirmation of eligibility, and full details will be published on the official PFD website.
Residents should check their status regularly through their myPFD account, which can be accessed via the Alaska Department of Revenue website. Ensuring your application status shows “Eligible – Not Paid” is key to receiving your payment.