While many states throw around the term “stimulus” like a short-term fix, Alaska quietly continues doing what it’s done for decades — giving residents a share of the state’s oil wealth. In 2025, that share is worth $1,702 per person. And no, this isn’t a one-time gimmick. It’s called the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), and it’s as Alaskan as snow and salmon.
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Background
Back in 1976, Alaska voters decided not to let oil profits vanish into government budgets. Instead, they created the Permanent Fund — basically a giant savings account managed by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC). It’s invested in stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets. The idea? Let the investments grow, and pay the people from the earnings. Simple, but powerful.
Today, that fund is worth over $75 billion. And thanks to it, every eligible Alaskan gets an annual payout — not because of politics, but because the people quite literally own the resource wealth.
2025 Amount
This year’s PFD is set at $1,702 per person. That includes a $298.17 “energy relief bonus” to help residents cover Alaska’s high heating and utility costs — a nod to the realities of living in one of the coldest corners of the U.S.
Payment Schedule
The money doesn’t arrive all at once. It’s rolled out in two phases. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Distribution Wave | Payment Month | Who Gets Paid |
|---|---|---|
| First Round | May 2025 | Early applicants with direct deposit |
| Main Distribution | October 2025 | Remaining eligible residents |
The May payments are for those who applied early and opted for direct deposit. Everyone else gets their money in the fall.
Eligibility
Don’t assume you qualify just because you live in Alaska. The state has a strict set of rules, and they’re serious about enforcement. You must:
- Be a full-year Alaska resident during 2024
- Plan to remain in Alaska indefinitely
- Not claim residency in another state
Even small things — like holding a driver’s license from another state — can get your application denied.
You’re also disqualified if you:
- Spent too much time outside Alaska without an approved exception (like active military duty or college)
- Claimed residency elsewhere
- Were convicted of certain felonies in the qualifying year
Basically, if you’re not all-in on Alaska, don’t expect a check.
Application Window
Mark your calendar — applications open January 1, 2025, and close on April 1, 2025. There are no extensions, no second chances. Miss the deadline, and you’ll have to wait until 2026.
To apply, you’ll need:
- A valid Alaska ID
- Proof of residency (lease, utility bill, etc. if requested)
- Bank details for direct deposit
Small mistakes can cause big delays, so double-check everything before submitting your application.
Taxes
Here’s the catch. While Alaska doesn’t tax your PFD, the IRS does. You’ll need to report the $1,702 as income on your federal tax return. For some households, it could impact eligibility for credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or even push your income into a different tax bracket. The IRS breaks it down further in Publication 525.
The PFD might feel like free money, but it’s really your piece of the pie — your share of what Alaska earns from its resources. If you’re eligible, it’s a small reward for sticking with the state through thick and thin (and snow). Just don’t forget to file on time, report it come tax season, and maybe use that check to keep the furnace running a little longer this winter.
