Each year, the State of Alaska shares a portion of its oil industry profits with its residents through a special benefit called the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). This unique program has been in place since 1976 and aims to help Alaskan families by distributing a part of the state’s oil wealth directly to them.
By the end of 2024, the Alaska Permanent Fund had grown to nearly $83 billion, making it one of the largest public investment funds in the United States. For 2025, the stimulus check under this program has been set at $1,702 per person.
What Is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)?
The PFD is an annual payment given to permanent residents of Alaska. It was created so that all Alaskans could benefit from the state’s oil earnings. Instead of using all oil money for government spending, a part of it is invested, and the profits are shared with the people.
Since 1983, the dividend has been paid every year. The amount changes depending on how much the fund earns from its investments and what the state government decides each year.
2025 PFD Stimulus Check Amount
For 2025, the Alaska government has officially confirmed that each eligible resident will receive $1,702. This amount includes:
- The regular PFD dividend
- An energy relief supplement, added to help people manage rising energy costs
These payments are part of Alaska’s effort to support its people during times of high fuel and energy prices.
When and How Are Payments Made?
The application window to request the PFD closed on March 31, 2025. This year, more than 560,000 people applied.
Here’s how the PFD process works:
- Applications are accepted from January to March 31 every year
- In September, the exact amount is announced
- Payments begin in October
- Late applications or issues may lead to additional payments in November or December
The state ensures that most of the eligible 730,000+ residents receive their payment on time.
Who Can Apply for the Alaska PFD?
To be eligible for the PFD check, applicants must meet these requirements:
- Lived in Alaska for the full calendar year before applying
- Must have physically stayed in Alaska for at least 72 hours in the past two years
- Should not have been convicted of serious crimes in the last year
These rules help ensure that only genuine residents of Alaska benefit from the oil wealth.
Can the PFD Fund Get More Support?
There have been several proposals to increase funding for the PFD stimulus check. Some suggestions include:
- Redirecting budget funds from other programs to support PFD
- Signing agreements with international bodies like the IDB or FAO, though these plans involve taking on debt, which many oppose
- Raising taxes on oil companies, but this idea has been rejected in referendums because many fear it may hurt investment and jobs
So far, none of these proposals have been fully approved.
How Is the PFD Amount Decided Each Year?
The size of the PFD check depends on two main factors:
- Investment earnings from the Alaska Permanent Fund
- Decisions made by state lawmakers about how much of the earnings should be shared
The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC) manages the fund, and based on its performance, a portion of the annual returns is paid out equally to all eligible residents.
Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend is one of the most unique state programs in the US. It shares the state’s oil wealth directly with its people, offering financial support every year. In 2025, residents who qualified will receive $1,702, which includes a regular dividend and an energy supplement.
The deadline to apply for this year has already passed, but the program continues to be a major source of support for many Alaskans. As the fund grows and investment returns change, the PFD amount may vary in the future, but the goal remains the same—to help Alaskans benefit from their state’s natural resources.