If you’re one of the many Alaskans who applied for the 2025 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) before the April 1 deadline, you’re likely waiting eagerly to find out how much you’ll receive and when.
The PFD is one of Alaska’s most anticipated annual benefits—a direct payout from the state’s oil revenue—and it plays a big role in supporting residents, especially with Alaska’s high cost of living.
What Is the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)?
The Permanent Fund Dividend is a yearly payment sent to eligible Alaska residents as a share of the state’s oil wealth. The money comes from the Alaska Permanent Fund, which was set up in 1976 to invest oil profits for long-term growth. Since 1982, this fund has returned a portion of its earnings to the public in the form of annual dividends.
The goal is simple: if the state is earning from natural resources, the people should benefit too.
April 1: Final Day to Apply for the 2025 PFD
Alaska residents had until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, to apply for this year’s PFD. Even though that day was Seward Day, a state holiday, PFD offices in Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks stayed open until 4 p.m. for in-person applications.
After that, online applications remained open until midnight, allowing hundreds of thousands of residents to submit their forms.
Director Genevieve Wojtusik confirmed that over 600,000 Alaskans are expected to be eligible this year, continuing the trend seen in recent years. While the 2019 record of 678,000 applications likely won’t be broken, 2025 may still come close.
How Much Could the 2025 PFD Be?
The final amount of the 2025 PFD has not yet been decided, as it depends on budget negotiations in the Alaska legislature. However, here’s what we know so far:
- In 2023, the PFD payment was $1,702, which included an energy relief bonus.
- The highest ever PFD was in 2022, when residents received $3,284.
- For 2025, Governor Mike Dunleavy has proposed a $3,900 payment.
- Based on current calculations using past formulas, the expected amount could land around $1,400–$1,600, unless lawmakers approve a larger payout.
Keep in mind, the final PFD amount is no longer based on a strict formula—it’s now determined through state budget talks, which means the number may shift up or down depending on Alaska’s revenue and legislative decisions.
When Will You Get Paid?
If you applied for the PFD and opted for direct deposit, you’re in luck. According to the PFD Division, payments are scheduled to begin in October 2025. Those who requested a paper check will have to wait a few extra weeks for mail processing.
To speed up the process, officials strongly recommend using online applications and direct deposit—it’s the fastest and most secure method.
Why the PFD Matters
Living in Alaska comes with high expenses—from heating to groceries to transportation. The PFD often helps families cover essentials or save for emergencies. In 2023 alone, Alaska distributed more than $1 billion in total dividend payments, showing just how important this annual check is for the state’s economy and household budgets.