Alaska continues to lead the way with its unique economic relief system—the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). While the rest of the country debates one-time stimulus checks, Alaska maintains a yearly direct payment to residents, funded by oil revenue investments. In 2025, the PFD is set at $1,000 per eligible resident, with payments already rolling out and more scheduled through early 2026.
Here’s a clear breakdown of who qualifies for the $1,000 payment, what the timeline looks like, and how to make sure you’re on track to receive your share.
What Is Alaska’s PFD?
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend is a state-run program that has been sending payments to residents since the late 1970s. It was designed to share the state’s oil wealth directly with the people who live there.
Rather than spend all oil revenues immediately, Alaska set up a fund that invests those dollars and uses the earnings to pay annual dividends. In 2025, the return on the fund was 4.94 percent for the year and over 9.5 percent across five years—allowing for a solid $1,000 per-person payout.
This year alone, over $685 million is being distributed through the program.
How Much Will You Get?
Every eligible resident receives $1,000. So if you’re part of a household of four, that’s $4,000 in tax-free funds that can go toward winter heating bills, groceries, or savings.
| Household Size | PFD Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,000 |
| 2 People | $2,000 |
| 4 People | $4,000 |
| 6 People | $6,000 |
A total of 685,000 Alaskans are expected to receive the check, which is about 90 percent of the state’s population.
Eligibility Requirements
The rules for claiming the Alaska stimulus check are strict, and the state performs regular checks to prevent fraud or misuse. To qualify, you must:
- Have lived in Alaska for the entire 2024 calendar year (from January 1 to December 31)
- Intend to remain a permanent resident of Alaska
- Not have been convicted of a felony in 2024
- Not have served jail time or been on probation for more than 180 days
- Have applied between January and March 2025, or file a late application by March 31, 2026 (late applicants may face delays or penalties)
If you applied in previous years, your renewal may be automatic, but it’s still wise to check your status on the official myPFD website.
When Are Payments Sent?
Payments are made in batches to manage volume, with direct deposits processed first, followed by paper checks. Here are the official payment dates based on the eligibility review schedule:
| Payment Date | Eligibility Cutoff Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| November 20, 2025 | As of November 12, 2025 | First round of payments |
| December 18, 2025 | As of December 10, 2025 | Second round, still part of 2025 cycle |
| January 15, 2026 | As of January 7, 2026 | Final round covering late approvals |
If your application is marked “Eligible – Unpaid” by one of the cutoff dates, you’ll be included in the next scheduled payment.
How to Check Your Status
Visit pfd.alaska.gov and log in to your myPFD account. There, you can track your application’s status, see whether you’re marked as eligible, and get updates on upcoming payment batches.
If your status isn’t listed as “Eligible – Unpaid,” your payment may be delayed until the next round.
Even though the process seems simple, it’s important to stay on top of your application—especially if you’re relying on the funds for end-of-year or winter expenses.
FAQs
How much is the Alaska PFD in 2025?
The amount is $1,000 per eligible resident.
When is the next PFD payment in Alaska?
The next payment is on December 18, 2025.
Who qualifies for the Alaska stimulus check?
Long-term Alaska residents with no felony record in 2024.
How do I check my PFD status?
Log into your account at pfd.alaska.gov to view your status.
When is the last PFD payment for 2025?
Final round will be on January 15, 2026.
