Inflation, high energy costs, and rising living expenses are affecting every part of the US. But Alaska is offering major relief to its residents through the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program. In August 2025, around 600,000 eligible Alaskans will receive a $1,702 payment.
This amount comes from Alaska’s long-running system that shares a portion of state resource revenues with its citizens. The program started in the 1980s and continues to deliver yearly payments, making it one of the most stable and transparent economic policies in the country.
About PFD
The Permanent Fund Dividend program began in 1982 when Alaska decided to invest part of its oil and mineral revenue into the Alaska Permanent Fund. Each year, part of the fund’s earnings is paid to eligible residents in cash.
This year’s $1,702 payment combines two components:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base Dividend | $1,403.83 |
| Energy Relief Payment | $298.17 |
| Total | $1,702 |
The base dividend is a standard yearly amount for all eligible recipients, while the energy relief payment is added to help cover higher electricity, fuel, and heating costs. These payments are taxable, and recipients will receive a 1099-MISC form for their 2025 taxes.
Eligibility
The PFD has strict rules to ensure only genuine Alaska residents benefit. To qualify for the 2025 payment:
- You must have been a resident of Alaska for the entire calendar year of 2024
- You must intend to remain in Alaska indefinitely
- You must have been physically present in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours in 2023 or 2024
- Absences in 2024 are only allowed for certain reasons, such as full-time college, military service, medical treatment, or living with an eligible spouse or dependent
- Anyone convicted of a serious crime in 2024, or incarcerated for such, is ineligible
- Claiming residency in another state or country in 2024 disqualifies you
How to Apply
Applications are open from June 1, 2025, to August 31, 2025. Late applications are accepted only for serious hardship cases.
Step-by-step process:
- Go to pfd.alaska.gov
- Log in with your myAlaska account or create one
- Fill out the 2025 PFD application form
- Upload documents for any dependents you are applying for
- Choose direct deposit or check delivery
- Submit your application before the August 31 deadline
Payment Dates
Approved applicants will be paid on the following schedule:
| Approval Date | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| By August 13, 2025 | August 21, 2025 |
| By September 3, 2025 | September 11, 2025 |
| By September 18, 2025 | October 2, 2025 |
| By October 13, 2025 | October 23, 2025 |
You can check your payment status anytime by logging into the myPFD portal.
Not a Federal Payment
This payment is only for Alaska residents. It is not a federal stimulus check and does not apply to residents of other states.
The Alaska PFD is more than a cash payment—it’s a statement that citizens have a stake in their state’s natural resources. While only Alaska offers this benefit, it remains a model of sustainable, transparent, and impactful public policy.
FAQs
Who gets the $1,702 Alaska PFD payment?
Permanent Alaska residents meeting 2024 residency and presence rules.
What is included in the $1,702 amount?
A base dividend of $1,403.83 plus $298.17 energy relief payment.
When is the application deadline?
August 31, 2025, with only limited late hardship cases accepted.
Are these payments taxable?
Yes, recipients will receive a 1099-MISC for tax filing.
Can people outside Alaska get this payment?
No, it is only for eligible Alaska residents.
