As 2025 begins, Alaska residents are preparing to receive the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), an annual payment derived from the state’s natural resource earnings.
This distribution is vital for covering essential expenses like food, housing, and healthcare, while ensuring that the wealth from the state’s oil and gas revenues directly benefits its residents.
Here’s everything you need to know about the PFD, including eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and important deadlines.
Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend: What It Is
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) was created in 1976 alongside the Alaska Permanent Fund to manage and distribute the state’s oil revenues.
Managed by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, the PFD shares a portion of the fund’s earnings each year with eligible residents of the state.
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 2025 PFD Payment | $1,702 per eligible resident |
| Applications | Open annually from January 1 to March 31, available by mail or online |
| Next Payment Date | January 16, 2025 (for eligible unpaid applications from 2024 and prior) |
| Estimated Beneficiaries | Approximately 600,000 Alaskans |
Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply
To qualify for the PFD, applicants must meet specific residency and behavioral requirements:
Residency Criteria
- Be a registered resident of Alaska.
- Have lived in Alaska for at least 12 consecutive months before applying.
- Have no plans to permanently leave Alaska.
- Have spent at least 72 continuous hours in Alaska within the past 24 months.
Behavioral Restrictions
- Not have been incarcerated for a felony in the past year.
- Not have been incarcerated for a misdemeanor in the past year if previously convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors since January 1, 1997.
Application Process: How to Apply
The PFD application period runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.
Alaskans can submit their applications in two ways:
- Online: Through the official PFD website.
- By Mail: Using paper forms available at state offices.
For Families: Applying for Children
Each eligible family member, including children, must have their own application submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
Status Updates: Track Your Application
Applicants can track the status of their application via the PFD website.
Applications marked as “Eligible-Unpaid” on January 8, 2025, will receive payments by January 16, 2025.
Payment Amount: How Much Will You Receive
In 2025, the PFD payment is set at $1,702 per eligible resident.
With approximately 600,000 residents qualifying, this program provides a substantial contribution to Alaskan households.
PFD Usage: How Alaskans Benefit
The PFD isn’t just a payment it reflects Alaska’s commitment to sharing its natural resource wealth.
For many, it provides essential financial support, helping to cover:
- Essentials: Food, housing, and healthcare.
- Education: College tuition or savings accounts.
- Local Economy: Boosting small businesses and local industries.
By investing in its residents, Alaska ensures that its resource wealth supports the well-being of its people.
Significant: The PFD’s Impact
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend continues to be a cornerstone of financial support for Alaskans, offering a stable source of income while promoting sustainable use of the state’s resources.
Whether you are a longtime resident or a newcomer, it’s crucial to meet the eligibility criteria and apply on time to receive your share of this valuable benefit.
