Each fall, thousands of Alaskans receive a welcome windfall in the form of the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)—a direct payout from the state’s oil wealth. Designed as a way to distribute the profits of Alaska’s natural resources to its residents, the PFD has become both a financial lifeline and a symbol of state pride.
In 2025, the dividend has grown significantly, providing more support than in previous years. Here’s what residents—and potential residents—need to know about this year’s payout, eligibility, and the broader economic impact.
2025 PFD Breakdown: What You’ll Get
This year’s Permanent Fund Dividend is $1,702 per eligible resident, a 30% increase from the previous year. The total includes two parts:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base PFD | $1,403.83 |
| Energy Relief Bonus | $298.17 |
| Total Payment | $1,702.00 |
The added energy relief bonus is designed to help offset rising utility and heating costs—a major concern in a state where cold temperatures and long distances can drive up living expenses.
These funds are drawn from the Alaska Permanent Fund, which was established in 1976 to manage a portion of the state’s oil revenues. Rather than spending all oil profits, Alaska invests them for the long term, ensuring each generation of residents benefits from its natural resources.
Who Is Eligible for the 2025 PFD?
To receive the 2025 dividend, you must meet specific residency and legal criteria. The Alaska Department of Revenue lays out clear guidelines:
- You must have been an Alaska resident for all of 2024
- You must intend to remain in Alaska permanently
- You must have lived in Alaska for 12 consecutive months prior to applying
- You cannot have claimed residency in another state or country
- You must have been physically present in Alaska for at least 72 hours in the past two years
Legal Disqualifications:
- Individuals convicted of a felony or with multiple misdemeanors since Jan 1, 1997, may be ineligible
- Anyone incarcerated for a felony or serious offense within the last year is disqualified
These rules aim to ensure the dividend truly benefits long-term residents who contribute to the state’s communities and economy.
How and When to Apply
Applications for the 2025 PFD were open from January 1 to March 31, 2025. All submissions were due by April 1, 2025. Residents had the option to apply online at pfd.alaska.gov or mail a paper application.
For those with prior-year applications still pending, there’s a key date to watch:
If your application (for 2024 or earlier) is listed as “Eligible-Not Paid” by May 7, 2025, your check will be issued on May 15, 2025.
The PFD’s Economic Ripple Effect
While the PFD is a personal benefit, its broader impact on Alaska’s economy is substantial. Every fall, as checks go out:
- Retailers see a surge in sales
- Families use the funds for winter gear, heating oil, or debt payments
- Local economies, especially in rural areas, get a significant cash injection
With a total distribution topping $1 billion, the 2025 dividend helps cushion households from Alaska’s high cost of living and fuels small business activity across the state.
More Than a Check—A Statement of Value
The PFD is not just a financial benefit—it reflects a philosophy that the wealth generated from Alaska’s natural resources should be shared by the people who live there. It’s an investment in residents, a cushion for hard times, and a reminder that long-term stewardship can pay dividends—literally.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the PFD?
Long-term Alaska residents who lived in the state for all of 2024, intend to remain, and meet physical presence and legal criteria.
Where does the money come from?
The funds come from the Alaska Permanent Fund, which is funded by oil and gas revenues and investment income.
When will I get paid?
If eligible, most payments are issued in the fall. For prior-year applications, checks may go out as early as May 15, 2025.