Alaska might be famous for its stunning wilderness, but for many residents, it’s also known for something just as impactful: free money every year through the Permanent Fund Dividend, or PFD.
In 2025, the PFD is once again putting cash directly into the hands of Alaskans—$1,000 per person, to be exact. But who gets it, when is it coming, and what should you do if you’re still waiting? Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
Overview
The Permanent Fund Dividend is Alaska’s way of sharing the wealth that comes from its massive oil reserves. This program started back in the 1970s and has become a regular source of income for residents. It’s not a stimulus check from the federal government—it’s a unique benefit from the state, funded by investment earnings from Alaska’s oil revenues.
For 2025, the PFD payment is set at $1,000 per eligible resident. That’s a nice bonus just before the end-of-year holidays, and it’s helping families across the state with essentials like heating bills, groceries, and property taxes.
Amount
So how much money are we talking about overall? Let’s look at the numbers.
In 2025, the Alaska Permanent Fund saw a return of 4.94%, with a strong five-year average return of 9.59%. This success allows the state to distribute over $685 million in total through the PFD program this December. That’s a major economic injection, especially considering Alaska’s total population is around 733,000. With 90% of residents qualifying, that’s about 685,000 people receiving payments.
Let’s break it down in a quick table:
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| PFD Amount per Person | $1,000 |
| Total Distributed | $685.3 million |
| Eligible Residents | 685,000+ |
| Population Coverage | 90% of Alaska residents |
| Fund Return (FY2025) | 4.94% |
| Family of Four Receives | $4,000 |
That means a family of four can pocket $4,000—no strings attached.
Criteria
Not just anyone can get the PFD. Alaska keeps the rules pretty tight to make sure the money goes to those truly invested in living there. To qualify in 2025, here’s what you need:
- You must have lived in Alaska all year (January 1 to December 31, 2024), and plan to stay indefinitely.
- You can’t have any felony convictions in 2024.
- You must not have been incarcerated or on probation for more than six months during the year.
- You need to have submitted an application during the open window (January to March 2025). If you didn’t apply during that period, you can still submit a late application by March 31, 2026—but expect a delay and potential penalties.
The easiest way to check your status is by logging into your myPFD account.
Timeline
The money isn’t dropped all at once. Instead, Alaska sends out payments in batches based on when your application is approved and marked as “Eligible–Unpaid”. Direct deposits come first, followed by mailed paper checks.
Here are the scheduled dates for the next rounds:
| Payment Date | Status Cut-Off Date |
|---|---|
| November 20, 2025 | Eligible-Unpaid as of Nov 12 |
| December 18, 2025 | Eligible-Unpaid as of Dec 10 |
| January 15, 2026 | Eligible-Unpaid as of Jan 7 |
If you haven’t seen your payment yet, check the myPFD portal to confirm whether your application shows up as eligible and unpaid. If it does, your money is on its way.
Impact
The PFD isn’t just a financial gift—it’s a significant economic tool. Every year, these payments help reduce poverty, increase local spending, and boost the economy in rural areas where costs are high. For many families, it’s the cushion that helps them make it through the winter.
It also shows how a state can use natural resource wealth to benefit its people directly. Other states don’t have anything quite like it.
The 2025 round continues to show that the PFD isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. With a healthy fund and strong returns, this year’s distribution gives both individuals and the broader economy a solid boost.
If you’re still waiting, hang tight. More payments are on the way, and if you’re eligible, it’s just a matter of time.
FAQs
Who qualifies for Alaska’s PFD in 2025?
Anyone living in Alaska all of 2024 with no felony convictions.
How much is the 2025 PFD payment?
Each eligible resident will receive $1,000.
When are the 2025 PFD checks paid?
Payments are scheduled for Nov 20, Dec 18, and Jan 15.
Can I still apply for the PFD?
Yes, late applications are accepted until March 31, 2026.
How do I check my PFD payment status?
Log in to your myPFD account to see your application status.
