600,000 Alaskans to Receive $1,702 Stimulus Checks on December 20

The biggest U.S. state, affectionately known as “The Great Land,” is about to give its citizens something to celebrate. On December 20, 2025, over 600,000 Alaskans will receive stimulus checks through the state’s long-standing dividend program. These payments aren’t part of a federal stimulus — they come directly from Alaska’s oil wealth, and they’ve been benefiting residents for decades.

If you’re a resident of Alaska, this might be your lucky month. But not everyone qualifies, so let’s go over what this program is, why it matters, and who’s getting paid.

Purpose

Unlike other states, Alaska has no state income tax or general sales tax, making it a unique financial landscape. But living in Alaska isn’t cheap — the cost of living is much higher than the national average. Rent, groceries, and transportation costs can be overwhelming for families and individuals alike.

That’s why the state created a way to “pay it forward” through the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). This program was launched in 1982, with the goal of sharing the state’s natural resource wealth — mainly from oil and mineral royalties — directly with Alaskans.

Eligibility

So, who qualifies for the December 20 PFD payout?

To receive the $1,702 stimulus check, you must meet the Alaska PFD requirements. These aren’t just simple checkboxes — they’re designed to ensure that only true, long-term residents benefit from the program.

Here’s a summary of the main eligibility rules:

Eligibility Requirement	Details
Full-year residency	You lived in Alaska for the entire 2024 calendar year
Intent to remain	You plan to stay in Alaska permanently
No other state residency	You haven’t claimed residency elsewhere since Dec 31, 2023
Physical presence	You were in Alaska for at least 72 hours in 2023 or 2024
Absence limit	No more than 180 days away (unless exempted)
Criminal history	No felony convictions or incarceration in 2024
Application status	Must be marked “eligible–not paid” by Sept 18, 2025

If you meet all of the above and your application status shows “eligible–not paid” as of September 18, you’ll be getting your check on December 20, 2025.

Amount

Now, let’s talk about the money.

Each eligible Alaskan will receive $1,702. This amount is calculated using 50% of the Permanent Fund’s income, averaged over the past five fiscal years. After that, the state deducts expenses and obligations to determine the final dividend.

The Alaska Permanent Fund itself has grown into a multi-billion-dollar reserve, managed by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation. The dividend program is administered by the Department of Revenue, and it plays a huge role in supporting families and stimulating local economies.

Extra Round

Missed the first wave? There’s one more chance.

A final payment will be sent on December 30, 2025, for eligible applicants who achieve “eligible–not paid” status by December 13. So if you’re still waiting on verification or documentation, there’s still time — but not much.

Keep an eye on your application status through the official PFD portal.

Impact

Stimulus payments like these are more than just a nice year-end bonus — they help Alaskans offset high living costs and often go directly into local businesses and markets. For many, the PFD check covers essential bills, holiday expenses, or even helps build emergency savings.

It’s also a powerful example of how natural resource wealth can be distributed directly to the people — something few other states do.

Whether you’re planning to catch up on bills or treat yourself this holiday season, December 20 is shaping up to be a great day in the Great Land.

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