Alaska residents are set to receive a historic $1,702 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) payment in 2025, a 30% increase from last year’s amount. The payout will be split into two parts: $298.17 for energy relief and $1,403.83 in direct cash assistance—providing a significant financial boost amid economic uncertainty.
Who Qualifies for Alaska’s 2025 PFD Check?
To be eligible for the 2025 payment, Alaska residents must meet three key requirements:
- Lived in Alaska for the full year prior to applying
- Physically present in Alaska for at least 72 hours in the past two years
- No serious criminal convictions within the past year
Those who applied before March 31, 2024 will receive their PFD on April 17, 2025. Residents who missed the deadline may still claim previous years’ payments if their status is listed as “Eligible-Not Paid” before April 9, 2025, using online services or standard mail.
Why Is the PFD Larger This Year?
This year’s higher payout reflects a mix of factors, including inflation pressure and growing debate over Alaska’s fiscal strategy. With declining oil revenues and rising public spending, lawmakers are balancing short-term relief for residents with long-term sustainability of the PFD program.
Is the Program at Risk?
Despite the generous 2025 payment, the future of Alaska’s PFD is uncertain. Projections suggest the dividend could drop below $1,000 in coming years unless new funding solutions are found. The state is currently considering:
- Using money from the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR)
- Pulling more resources from the Permanent Fund itself
- Raising taxes—a move opposed by Governor Mike Dunleavy
Legislation such as SB 92 and SB 112, which could generate $340 million annually by adjusting oil company taxes, remain stalled due to political disagreements.
“If no consensus is reached soon, Alaska may face deep cuts to essential public services,” warned a recent Legislative Budget Office report.
Deadline Looms for Unclaimed Federal Stimulus Checks
Meanwhile, Americans abroad still have time to claim unclaimed CARES Act stimulus payments. Up to $1,200 per person, $2,400 per couple, and $500 per child may still be available through the Refund Recovery Credit (RRC).
To qualify, individuals must have filed 2018 or 2019 tax returns or registered by November 21, 2020. Final claims must be submitted by April 15, 2024—after which the funds will revert to the U.S. Treasury.
Tax experts encourage checking your payment status using the IRS “Get My Payment” tool and submitting the necessary forms as soon as possible.