Who doesn’t love a good stimulus check, whether they’re expecting one (or not)? Well, several federal stimulus payments have already been distributed, so there’s not much left to dig into, but… hey, wait a minute: there’s still one program this year that’s distributing checks 30% larger than last year.
This is the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program, an initiative that benefits more than 600,000 eligible Americans each year. This program distributes, once a year, a portion of the profits from Alaska’s natural resources, primarily oil. You might infer from this that the program is available only in that state and to permanent residents within its territory.
Is the PFD a federal stimulus check program?
Although some refer to it as a “stimulus check,” it is not related to any of the federal programs distributed by the first Donald Trump administration and the Joe Biden administration during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2025 PFD payment is $1,702 per eligible resident, according to various sources. This specific amount results from the sum of two distinct components. The base dividend corresponds to approximately $1,403.83 of the total amount. An additional energy relief bonus of $298.17 supplements the base payment.
Unclaimed Stimulus Funds: States Accepting Applications for 2025 Relief
This total amount of $1,702 represents a notable 30% increase compared to the 2024 PFD payment of $1,312. The increase is directly attributable to the state’s increased oil revenues. The annual variation reflects the fund’s dependence on energy markets.
Requirements to receive the PFD in 2025
To qualify for the PFD in 2025, applicants must meet strict requirements set by the state. The primary residency requirement is having lived in Alaska for the entire previous calendar year (2024). Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate an intent to remain in the state indefinitely.
There are restrictions based on criminal history. Those convicted of certain specific felonies are ineligible. Individuals who were incarcerated for a felony during any part of the qualifying year (2024) are also ineligible. These exclusions are clear in the regulations.
A formal application is required to receive payment. Eligible residents must submit their application through the official portal pfd.alaska.gov or submit it by physical mail by the deadline. The fixed deadline for 2025 was March 31, 2025. Late applications are not processed, so, if you qualify but didn’t applied as of that date, you’re not entitled to a check.
Specific documentation is required to verify identity and residency. This includes a valid government-issued ID and proof of Alaska residency through 2024. A valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is required. Accurate documentation is crucial.
The payment schedule for the PFD stimulus program
PFD payments in 2025 follow a predetermined distribution schedule. This schedule is based on the application’s “Eligible-Not Paid” status within the system. The status indicates that the application has been approved but payment has not yet been issued. The first confirmed payment date is June 18, 2025.
This first date of June 18, 2025, applies specifically to applicants whose application was approved before June 11, 2025. The next mass payment is scheduled for July 17, 2025. This second payment covers those who reached “Eligible-Not Paid” status before July 9, 2025.
A third payment date is August 21, 2025. This disbursement applies to residents whose applications were approved before August 13, 2025. The primary payment method is direct deposit into bank accounts. Paper checks are also available for those who prefer it or do not have an account.
