Let’s be honest—$1,702 isn’t going to change your life. But in a year where gas is flirting with $5 a gallon and eggs feel like a luxury item, it’s a much-needed win. And for Alaskans, it’s not just money. It’s tradition. It’s a right. It’s a slice of oil wealth baked into the DNA of the 49th state.
So if you’re wondering how to get your hands on this year’s Permanent Fund Dividend, what the deadlines are, or how not to blow it all on impulse Amazon buys, this guide’s for you.
What Is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, Anyway?
Imagine if every time ExxonMobil drilled in your backyard, they cut you a check. That’s kind of what the PFD is—minus the drilling in your backyard part. The PFD is Alaska’s way of sharing the profits from its natural resource wealth (mainly oil and gas) with the people who actually live there.
For 2025, the payout is $1,702 per person, straight from the Alaska Permanent Fund, managed by the state government.
Worth noting:
This is not a federal stimulus check. Uncle Sam has nothing to do with it. It’s all Alaska.
Who Qualifies for the 2025 PFD?
You don’t have to be born in Alaska, but you do need to live there full time. That means being a resident for the entire 2024 calendar year and intending to stay indefinitely.
Basic Eligibility Checklist:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must have been a resident all of 2024 |
| Physical Presence | Can’t be out of the state for more than 180 days (with some exceptions) |
| Intent to Remain | You plan to live in Alaska long-term |
| Legal Troubles | No felony convictions or specific misdemeanors |
| Filing | You must apply between June 1 – July 31, 2025 |
Going on vacation? That’s fine. Stationed abroad with the military? Also fine. Living in Seattle “temporarily” for 8 months? Not fine. Unless you’re an exception (college, medical care, military, etc.), being out of the state too long could disqualify you.
How and When Do I Apply?
Application window:
June 1 – July 31, 2025
Apply at: myPFD.alaska.gov
It’s free, it’s online, and it’s relatively painless. Parents or legal guardians must apply on behalf of minors.
Late applications aren’t accepted unless you meet hardship criteria (like being hospitalized or hit by a natural disaster). If you miss the window, you’ll have to wait until June 2026.
2025 PFD Payment Schedule
The first round of payments will hit bank accounts in October 2025, with batches continuing into the fall, depending on when your application is processed and approved.
| Payment Type | Date Issued |
|---|---|
| Direct Deposit | Starting October 3 |
| Paper Checks | Mailed by October 17 |
Pro tip: Opt for direct deposit. It’s faster, safer, and less likely to be delayed by some rogue moose chewing your mailbox.
Is the PFD Taxable?
Yep. Sorry.
Even though it’s a state payout, the IRS considers the PFD as taxable income. You’ll get a 1099-MISC form next January (yes, even if you’re 8 years old), and you’ll need to report it on your 2025 federal tax return.
Is it fair? That’s up for debate. But legally, it’s income.
How the PFD Differs From Stimulus Checks
Let’s clear this up, because people still confuse them:
| PFD | Federal Stimulus (2020–21) | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Alaska state government | U.S. federal government |
| Frequency | Annual | Emergency/one-time |
| Based on Income? | No | Often means-tested |
| Residency Requirement | Must live in Alaska full-time | No state-specific requirement |
Smart Ways to Use That $1,702
Look, we all love a good splurge. But before you drop the entire PFD on a new iPhone or an Alaskan cruise (that’s ironically…still in Alaska), consider this:
Try the 50/30/20 Method
| Category | Amount | Example Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 50% Needs | $851 | Fuel, groceries, heating oil, bills |
| 30% Wants | $510 | Dining out, new gear, gifts |
| 20% Savings/Debt | $341 | Emergency fund, student loans |
In rural parts of Alaska—where a gallon of milk can run you $8—many families rely on their PFD for winter supplies, home heating, or travel to urban centers for medical care.
A few folks even tuck it into investment accounts or start a savings fund for their kids’ education. Not a bad idea if you can swing it.
Political Tug-of-War
Not everyone agrees on how the PFD should work. Some argue that the money would be better spent funding public services—like schools, roads, or healthcare—especially in underserved communities. Others defend it as a sacred right of residency.
Either way, don’t expect the debate to die down anytime soon. The only thing that’s certain? Alaskans are deeply attached to their annual payout.
Quick Recap: What You Need to Know
- You must apply between June 1 – July 31, 2025
- The payment is $1,702 per eligible resident
- Payments start October 3 (direct deposit preferred)
- The PFD is taxable (hello, IRS)
- Use it wisely—your wallet (and winter) will thank you
FAQs
When’s the last day to apply for the 2025 PFD?
August 31, 2025. No exceptions unless it’s a qualified hardship.
Can kids get the PFD?
Yes! A parent or legal guardian needs to apply on their behalf.
What if I moved away mid-2024?
Tough luck. You need to be a full-time resident for all of 2024.
What if I want a paper check?
You can request one, but it’s slower and more prone to delays. Direct deposit is smarter.
Is the PFD ever going away?
Not anytime soon, but its size and structure are under constant political fire.
