Tens of thousands of American citizens are in line to receive a stimulus check that happens only once a year, and that has only one requirement: residing in a particular state. This is the Permanent Fund Dividend (PDF), which distributes money from the profits of oil extraction in North America.
Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) for 2025 would be set at $1,718 per person, according to the fiscal 2025 state budget signed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. This amount exceeds the $1,702 delivered in 2024, reflecting adjustments in income projections and the number of beneficiaries. The figure confirms an upward trend, although authorities warn that the final value could vary due to legislative changes.
Who receives an extra $1,702 stimulus check?
Residents have until March 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM to apply. Those who fail to comply with the deadline will be excluded. Historically, payments are distributed in October, although the exact date for 2025 has not yet been made official. The preferred option is to apply online through the myPFD portal, although physical forms are also accepted at designated centers.
To qualify, applicants must have resided in Alaska for all of 2024 and declare intent to remain indefinitely. Additionally, they cannot have claimed residency in another state or country since December 31, 2023. Those who were incarcerated for serious crimes in 2024 are automatically excluded, while absences longer than 180 days must be justified under specific criteria.
How is the PFD stimulus check calculated?
The PFD is calculated using the Permanent Fund’s five-year average net income, adjusted for prior obligations and operating expenses. As of Feb. 28, 2025, the fund had an unaudited value of $81.3 billion, according to the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation. The decade-long projections, included in the 2025 budget, suggest variable per capita amounts, although the final amount depends on legislative decisions.
In any case, it is an essential requirement to have updated information, especially the permanent residence address in the state of Alaska, to avoid delays or the check arriving at the wrong place. Changes can be made online if the request was digitally signed, or through the “Change of address” form. Application status is checked at myinfo.pfd.dor.alaska.gov, where errors or pending requirements are also reported.
Assistance offices operate Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, until March 28, 2025. On March 31, the Seward Day holiday, the Anchorage and Fairbanks offices will be open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, while Juneau will close its doors, although paper applications will be accepted at the Willoughby Avenue entrance.
Some exceptions that do not affect eligibility for the PDF stimulus check
There are certain exceptions, which are called “permitted absences”: they include work trips, military service or medical treatment. Those who were away more than 180 days in 2024 must present documentation validating these reasons. Additionally, applicants must have physically been in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours during 2023 or 2024. This requirement seeks to ensure a tangible connection to the state.
