Thousands of Alaskans are preparing to receive their annual share of the state’s oil wealth in the form of the 2025 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Valued at $1,702 per eligible resident, this year’s payment includes a standard dividend and an energy relief bonus, echoing the 2024 structure. Though the final amount could still shift depending on oil prices and state revenue, most analysts expect it to stay in the same ballpark.
This direct payout is more than just a bonus check—it’s a unique benefit of Alaska residency and a cornerstone of the state’s resource-sharing model.
What Is the Alaska PFD?
Established in 1976, the Alaska Permanent Fund was created to safeguard a portion of the state’s oil revenue for future generations. It’s managed by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC) and invested in a diversified portfolio including stocks, bonds, and real estate.
Each year, a portion of the fund’s earnings—roughly 5%—is returned to residents through the PFD. In 2025, that means a likely payout of $1,702, combining:
- Base Dividend: $1,403.83
- Energy Relief Bonus: $298.17
Overview of the 2025 PFD
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| PFD Amount (Expected) | $1,702 |
| Eligibility | Alaska residency, no felony record |
| Application Period | February – April 2025 |
| Payment Start Date | May 5, 2025 (first batch) |
| Application Method | Online or paper at pfd.alaska.gov |
| Tax Status | Taxable by the IRS, not taxed by Alaska |
Who’s Eligible for the 2025 PFD?
To receive the 2025 dividend, applicants must meet several key requirements:
- Full-year Alaska residency in 2024
- Intent to remain in the state permanently
- Presence in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours in 2023 or 2024
- No unqualified absences over 180 days, unless due to military, education, or medical reasons
- No felony convictions or multiple misdemeanors in 2024
- Each individual, including children, must file their own application
Be cautious: even getting a driver’s license from another state or applying for a non-Alaska REAL ID could affect your eligibility.
Payment Schedule for 2025
Eligible residents can expect their money based on their application status. Here are the projected disbursement dates:
| Status Check Date | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| April 9, 2025 | April 17, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
| June 11, 2025 | June 18, 2025 |
Payments are made to those whose applications are marked “Eligible-Not Paid” as of the check date.
How to Apply
Here’s how to make sure your PFD application goes smoothly:
- Visit pfd.alaska.gov
- Sign in or create a myAlaska account
- Complete your application and upload any required documents
- Verify your info, including bank and mailing details
- Submit before the April 2025 deadline
Remember: late applications are not accepted under any circumstance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Simple errors can cost you your PFD. Here’s what to watch for:
- Missing the deadline (even by a day)
- Incorrect banking or mailing information
- Failure to disclose long absences
- Missing proof of Alaska residency
- Felony or disqualifying misdemeanor convictions
Stay organized and honest throughout the process to ensure you get your payment.
Tax Considerations
While Alaska doesn’t tax your dividend, the IRS does. The $1,702 will count as income on your 2025 federal return. You may need to:
- Report it under “Other Income”
- Adjust your withholding to avoid surprises at tax time
Parents should also remember that children’s dividends are taxable and may require filing under the “kiddie tax” rules.
Don’t Miss the Deadline
There are no second chances with the PFD. If you miss the filing period from February to April 2025, you’ll need to wait until 2026. To avoid that:
- Confirm you’re eligible
- Apply early
- Double-check all information
- Keep personal and financial records updated with the state
This payment may not seem life-changing on its own, but for many Alaskans, it’s a critical financial boost—and a symbol of shared ownership in the state’s natural wealth.
FAQs
When will the 2025 PFD be paid?
First payments are expected by May 5, 2025, with additional batches continuing in the following months.
Is the PFD amount final?
Not yet, but $1,702 is the expected amount based on the 2024 payout, assuming similar oil revenues.
Do children qualify for the PFD?
Yes, but they must have their own application filed by a parent or guardian.