There are few places in the world as beautiful as Alaska. The price to pay for living there is often high: you can only enjoy the wilderness if you can endure the inhospitable temperatures that last for half the year. However, living in the state of Alaska also has some advantages. One of them is your dividend check from the permanent fund.
If you are a permanent resident of the state of Alaska, you have access to certain benefits from the management of Alaska’s resources.
This year’s main check will be distributed on December 18, so Alaskans only have to wait a couple more days to get the $1,000 check that will be distributed to residents this year.
The PFD
This fund was created in 1976. It is responsible for setting aside a portion of oil and gas royalties to share with state residents. This check is the distribution of part of the dividends. Some Alaska residents have already received their check, but this will be the next round of payments. The calculation of dividends is based on the number of eligible applicants living in Alaska during the previous year and the average net legal income for the last five most recent fiscal years.
This is a cash payment distributed to every Alaska resident, regardless of age or income level. This program—unlike many others in the United States—is not funded by state taxes or federal funds. All dividends come from the Alaska Permanent Fund, which functions as a kind of perpetual savings account for future generations living in the state of Alaska.
Thanks to legislation written decades ago, 25% of all Alaska’s natural resource revenues must be deposited into this fund. Thus, the non-renewable wealth of oil is converted into a financial resource that is reinvested in the area. It is a way of ensuring that every citizen has a direct and personal stake in the natural wealth of this state.
How can I obtain the PFD check?
To receive this fund check, a person must have been a resident of the state for the entire year of 2024. Although it is too late to request the 2025 check, you can fill out the forms proving that you lived in Alaska for the entire year of 2025 to get next year’s check.
However, this check is not given if you plan to live in the state for only one year; applicants must intend to remain in the state indefinitely. In addition, residents must not have claimed residency in another state since December 31, 2023. In conclusion, there are quite a few requirements to ensure that only actual Alaska residents receive this state aid.
Other requirements include not having been convicted of a felony or served time in prison during 2024. Applicants for the fund check must not have been absent from Alaska for more than 180 days during the year, unless there are special circumstances such as higher education at a university in another state or military service.
Since this check is received by all Alaska residents, regardless of age, minors are also eligible to receive a full payment. Their parents or legal guardians must submit the application on their behalf.
2025’s PFD
This year’s $1,000 check seems a little smaller than last year’s payment, which amounted to $1,702. The debate has kept us waiting, as the payment is based on an original formula that ensured the investment fund would never run out of money. While some advocate distributing larger checks, other residents prefer to take a long-term view and understand that total state funding through these same funds should be prioritized. It’s best not to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs, so in times when there haven’t been as many dividends, it’s best not to liquidate absolutely everything.
FAQs
How do I ask for the PFD check?
You must apply each year between January 1 and March 31 by mail or in person.
Is it a federal stimulus check?
No, it’s derived from the dividends earned from the Alaskan Trust Fund.