The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a unique annual payment from Alaska’s oil wealth fund, designed to provide residents with a share of the state’s profits from oil revenues.
Unlike federal stimulus checks, which are typically one-time payments, the PFD is a recurring program that helps offset the high cost of living in Alaska. For 2025, eligible Alaskan residents can expect a PFD payment of $1,702, which includes a $298.17 energy relief bonus, marking a 30% increase from 2024.
When to Expect Your PFD Payment
The PFD payments for 2025 will be distributed in three batches, based on the eligibility status of applications. Here are the projected payment dates:
June 18, 2025: For applications marked as “Eligible-Not Paid” by June 11, 2025.
July 17, 2025: For the same status by July 9, 2025.
August 21, 2025: For applications pending as of August 13, 2025.
These dates are projections, based on the 2024 schedule, and the final dates will be confirmed soon. Keep in mind that the PFD Division will be closed for public inquiries from July 7–18, 2025 to process pending applications.
Eligibility for the 2025 PFD
To qualify for the PFD payment, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Residency Requirement: Applicants must be Alaska residents for all of 2024 and have physically resided in the state for at least 72 consecutive hours in 2024.
Felony Convictions: Applicants should have no felony convictions or incarcerations lasting more than one year.
Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by the March 31, 2025 deadline through the Alaska Department of Revenue.
Taxes and Reporting
Although Alaska does not have a state income tax, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats the PFD as federally taxable income. Therefore, recipients must report their PFD payments when filing their federal tax returns.
How the PFD Payment Will Be Issued
The PFD payments will be distributed via direct deposit or paper check. If you are an eligible recipient, make sure to update your address using the “myPFD” portal to avoid any delays in receiving your payment.
Long-Term Sustainability Concerns
While the PFD has been a staple of Alaska’s financial support for residents, debates are ongoing about the long-term feasibility of the program.
The House Bill 359 (HB359) proposes $5,000 payouts for 2026–2028, but there are concerns about the solvency of the Permanent Fund and whether these larger payouts can be sustained without compromising the fund’s future stability.