The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a unique program in the United States. Every year, it provides direct payments to eligible Alaska residents, using profits made from investments funded by oil revenue. Since its start in 1982, it has been seen as a “collective inheritance” for people living in the state, giving them a share of Alaska’s natural resource wealth.
If you live in Alaska or are curious about how much people might receive in 2025, here’s everything you need to know—from eligibility to payment history to what’s being proposed now.
What Is the Alaska PFD?
The Alaska PFD is a yearly payment made to eligible residents, funded by the Alaska Permanent Fund, which was created in 1976 to save some of the state’s oil money for the future. The fund is not based on selling crude oil directly, but rather on global investments, and by 2024, it had grown to over $75 billion.
Residents do not need to meet income or social conditions to apply. Instead, they just need to live in Alaska for the full previous year, with exceptions allowed for school, medical care, or military service.
Who Qualifies for the 2025 PFD?
To get the PFD in 2025, you must:
- Have lived in Alaska for the entire year of 2024
- Apply by the deadline of March 31, 2025
- Not be serving jail time or under a criminal sentence during that time
Minors can be included in family applications. If you were out of Alaska temporarily for reasons like education, medical treatment, or military service, you may still qualify.
How Much Could You Get in 2025?
There is no fixed amount yet, but three different payment proposals are being debated:
- $1,000 – Suggested by the Senate Finance Committee, to protect state reserves
- $1,400 – Suggested by the House of Representatives, as a middle ground
- $3,900 – Proposed by Governor Mike Dunleavy, to maximize direct payments to people
Experts believe the final amount will likely be close to $1,400, balancing fiscal responsibility with public demand.
PFD Payment History (2014–2023)
Here’s how much Alaskans received in recent years:
- 2023: $1,312
- 2022: $3,284
- 2021: $1,114
- 2020: $992
- 2019: $1,606
- 2018: $1,600
- 2017: $1,100
- 2016: $1,022
- 2015: $2,072
- 2014: $1,884
The average inflation-adjusted amount over this time is about $1,780.
How Important Is the PFD to Residents?
In many parts of Alaska, especially rural areas like Bethel and North Slope, the PFD plays a big role in daily life. Around 21% of people in those areas use it for basic needs, including food and bills.
Across the state, the dividend can make up 3% to 8% of a household’s yearly income, according to official data.
Is the Alaska PFD at Risk?
Yes, but not immediately. The Department of Revenue has warned that if annual payments go above $1,500, the fund may run out by 2030. The fund needs to make a 5% return yearly just to keep its value. While in 2023 it made 6.8%, market changes can make future earnings uncertain.
Some lawmakers suggest linking future payment sizes to the fund’s 5-year average earnings. Others propose setting aside part of the fund (like 25%) for universal basic income, but this hasn’t advanced yet.
Is the PFD Taxed?
Yes and no. PFD is not taxed by the state, but it must be reported to the IRS as income. In 2023, 9% of PFD payments were automatically directed to educational savings plans.