Alaska offers a stimulus check every year called the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), available exclusively to its residents. The dividend is funded through the state’s oil extraction profits and provides financial assistance to thousands of eligible citizens annually.
The upcoming PFD for 2025 is projected to be $1,718 per person, an increase from the $1,702 distributed in 2024. This adjustment reflects higher income projections and a growing number of beneficiaries, though the final amount could be subject to legislative changes.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,718 Stimulus Check?
To qualify for the PFD stimulus check, you must meet several criteria:
- Residency Requirement: You must have lived in Alaska for the entirety of 2024 and plan to remain in the state indefinitely.
- No Claim of Residency Elsewhere: You cannot have claimed residency in another state or country since December 31, 2023.
- Exclusion Due to Incarceration: Anyone incarcerated for serious crimes in 2024 will be excluded from eligibility.
- Absence Limitations: You must justify any absence from Alaska lasting longer than 180 days.
Residents have until March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM to submit their applications. Applications received after this deadline will not be processed. Historically, payments are distributed each October, although the precise date for 2025 has not yet been confirmed.
How to Apply for the PFD
The preferred method of applying for the PFD is online via the myPFD portal, where you can fill out your application and submit it digitally. Alternatively, you can submit paper applications at designated locations.
Ensure that your permanent Alaska residence address is up to date to avoid any delays or misdelivery of your check. If you need to update your address, this can be done through the online portal or by submitting a “Change of Address” form.
Application status can be tracked at myinfo.pfd.dor.alaska.gov, where you can also check for any errors or pending requirements.
PFD Calculation Method
The PFD amount is determined by the Permanent Fund’s five-year average net income, with adjustments made for previous obligations and operational costs.
As of February 28, 2025, the fund’s unaudited value stood at $81.3 billion, according to the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation. The amount paid to individuals can fluctuate annually based on factors like income and state budgeting decisions.
In the case of PFD recipients, it is essential to stay informed about any changes to your personal details to ensure there are no delays or errors in receiving your stimulus check.
Key Dates and Office Hours for Application Assistance
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
- Assistance Hours: Alaska’s assistance offices are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM until March 28, 2025.
- On March 31, 2025 (Seward Day holiday), offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks will be open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, while Juneau will close, but paper applications can still be submitted at the Willoughby Avenue entrance.
Exceptions and Permitted Absences
Certain situations allow for absences from the state without disqualifying you from receiving the PFD. These permitted absences include:
- Work-related trips
- Military service or medical treatment
If you were absent for more than 180 days in 2024, you must provide documentation to justify the absence. Additionally, you must have physically spent at least 72 consecutive hours in Alaska during either 2023 or 2024 to demonstrate a meaningful connection to the state.
| Exception Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Work Trips | Documentation is required for trips exceeding 180 days. |
| Military Service/Medical Treatment | Proof of service or treatment needed for extended absences. |
| Physical Presence | Must be in Alaska for 72 consecutive hours during 2023/2024. |
The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a vital financial benefit for Alaska residents that helps share the state’s wealth derived from oil profits. The 2025 PFD is expected to be $1,718 per person, an increase from the previous year, reflecting the state’s financial health.
To ensure you receive your stimulus check, it’s important to adhere to the residency requirements, submit your application by March 31, 2025, and stay up-to-date with your personal information.
With proper documentation and timely submission, residents can enjoy this one-time annual benefit and contribute to Alaska’s ongoing prosperity.
FAQs
When is the PFD check for 2025 expected to be sent?
The exact distribution date for the 2025 PFD check has not yet been confirmed, but it typically occurs in October.
Can I apply for the PFD stimulus check if I’ve moved out of Alaska?
No, you must have resided in Alaska for the entire year of 2024 and intend to stay permanently in the state.
How can I check my application status?
You can check your application status on the official myPFD portal at myinfo.pfd.dor.alaska.gov.