Eligible Alaska residents are expecting a stimulus check worth $1,702 on March 20, 2025. This is part of the so-called Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), a special state program created to share oil and gas revenues with residents. In a rising cost of living, these types of payments help offset necessities like food, housing, and medical care.
Here is everything you need to know if you want to apply for, are eligible for, and expect payments for the 2025 PFD.
What is the $1,702 Stimulus Payment?
The $1,702 stimulus payment is, in short, the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) for 2025, which combines the mainstream diversion and a special energy assistance check.
This specifically refers to:
- Energy Assistance Check: $298.17
- Permanent Fund Dividend: $1,403.83
This sum of $1,702 would be payable to qualifying residents on March 20, 2025—those persons having applications referred to as “Eligible-Unpaid” as of March 12, 2025. PFD has been distributing funds to Alaskans since 1982, and even though the amounts vary from year to year, the premise has not changed: a small portion of oil revenue for the state in support of the residents’ financial well-being.
Who is Eligible for the PFD?
In order to qualify for the $1,702 stimulus payment, candidates have to fulfill some qualifying criteria. Let us break this down:
- Residency requirements: An applicant must have been a resident of Alaska throughout the year preceding application and intends to remain in Alaska for the rest of his or her life. Thus, you must have lived in Alaska for an entire year before you apply and no plans to leave.
- Physical Presence Requirement: You must show that you have at least been present in Alaska for 72 hours over the last 24 months. This attaches applicants to the limits of the state and assures that they have recently lived in Alaska for a reasonable duration.
- Criminal Convictions: Any felony conviction within the previous 12 months constitutes a basis for disqualification from receiving a PFD as does any misdemeanor conviction from January 1, 1997, onwards.
These regulations ensure that PFD benefits are given only to those with some connection to Alaska and those that meet criteria outlined by the state.
Schedule for Payment Distribution
Generally, Permanent Fund Dividend payments may cover several dates in a year and March 20, 2025, is the first of the many. The following is the payment schedule for applicants of the 2024 PFD:
- March 20, 2025: Payments to applications that were in “Eligible-Unpaid” status by March 12, 2025.
- April 17, 2025: Payments to applications in “Eligible-Unpaid” status on April 9, 2025.
- May 15, 2025: You will receive your PFD if your application is still in “Eligible-Unpaid” status by May 7, 2025.
It also must be mentioned that if the application remains “Eligible-Unpaid” past any of these dates, then payment could be rendered later in the year.
Application for PFD
However, if you have not applied for the PFD yet, fear not; you still have time, as one can still apply until March 31, 2025, for the 2024 dividend. Applications can be submitted online by visiting the official Alaska PFD site (pfd.alaska.gov) or via paper application.
A slightly different process may apply for disabled individuals or the applicants of deceased persons. In those cases, the Alaska Department of Revenue must be contacted for assistance. Also, military personnel entitled to hostile fire pay or imminent danger pays during the application period will be given special guidelines that regulate the course for applying.
Important Exceptions
Certain exceptions exist for people who could not fulfill all the eligibility requirements listed above. For example, those who apply on behalf of a deceased person, or on behalf of self if he or she has a disability that restricts from completing the application should contact the Alaska Department of Revenue.
Military members who served in areas where they were entitled to hostile fire or imminent danger pay might have different eligibility to apply. Those service members should verify with the department regarding their eligibility.
Final Thoughts
The $1,702 stimulus payment for Alaska residents represents an essential source of income for needy people. Whether you are just starting or have long-term residency in the state, the PFD is meant to serve as one way in which you can share in the state’s oil and gas wealth. All eligible persons can expect their payment either on March 20, 2025, or on any of the following dates in April or May.
Make sure that you do not miss this opportunity by applying before March 31, 2025, or else you will miss this important support.
For more information, check out the official PFD website, or if you have any inquiries, contact the Alaska Department of Revenue directly for assistance with your application.