This October, nearly 600,000 Alaskans are poised to receive $1,000 “stimulus” checks via the state’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program.
Though often compared to federal stimulus checks, the PFD is distinct — it’s funded by Alaska’s oil revenues and investment income. For 2025, the Legislature has set the PFD amount at $1,000 per person, the lowest in five years.
The payments will be issued in two major batches: October 2 (for those with direct deposit) and October 23 (for paper check recipients).
Below is everything you need to know: who qualifies, how the payout is determined, key dates, and how to avoid confusion or scams.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated recipients | About 600,000 Alaskans |
| PFD per person | $1,000 |
| Total fiscal impact | ~ $685.3 million (estimated cost) |
| Payment rounds | Two full disbursements (Oct 2 & Oct 23), with further payments possible later |
The PFD amount this year is currently the lowest in five years, and when adjusted for inflation, one of the smallest in the program’s history.
To receive the 2025 PFD, applicants must meet several criteria, including:
- Residency
- Must have lived in Alaska all of 2024, from January 1 to December 31.
- Must intend to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely.
- Must not have claimed residency in another state or foreign country since December 31, 2023.
- Physical Presence & Absences
- Must have been physically present in Alaska at least 72 consecutive hours during either 2023 or 2024.
- Cannot be absent from Alaska for more than 180 days in 2024 unless the absence qualifies under certain allowed reasons: military service, full-time college, healthcare, working for U.S. or Alaska outside the state, or accompanying a spouse in such circumstances.
- Legal & Criminal History
- No felony conviction in 2024 (or act deemed disqualifying under PFD law).
- Not incarcerated for a disqualifying offense during 2024.
- Minors & Other Categories
- Children born to or adopted by qualified residents are eligible (if parents file on their behalf).
- Some lawful permanent residents, asylees, refugees, or immigration statuses may qualify if they meet residency and proof requirements.
- If someone dies before payment day, they generally don’t receive a PFD unless statutory procedures allow it via estate or claims.
- Application Timing & Method
- Must have applied during the application window (usually January 1 to March 31).
- Applicants were required to file by September 18, 2025, in order to be included in the first round (direct deposit).
Failure to meet any rule can result in disqualification.
- October 2, 2025 — First round of payments hits accounts via direct deposit for those whose applications were approved and status was “Eligible-Not Paid” by September 18.
- October 23, 2025 — Second round: paper checks and delayed payments (including those approved by October 13) will be mailed.
- November 20, 2025 — Additional distributions to applicants whose status becomes “Eligible-Not Paid” by November 12.
After these main rounds, there will still be monthly disbursements for those whose applications get approved later.
Alaska’s Department of Revenue administers the program through the Permanent Fund Dividend Division and provides a portal (myAlaska / PFD site) to check status, update banking or address info, and monitor fraud alerts.
Several reasons contribute to the $1,000 figure:
- Lawmakers opted for budget prudence, rejecting proposals for higher amounts (some had suggested up to $3,900).
- Declining returns or volatility in oil revenue and market performance pushed the Legislature toward more conservative estimates.
- The state aims to preserve the long-term health of the fund and avoid depleting reserves.
So far, the PFD has been one of Alaska’s largest single budget expenditures—only outpaced by major departments like Education and Health.
- Check your PFD application status via the official Alaska PFD site or myAlaska portal.
- Update your banking or address information before payment windows close.
- Watch payment dates and know whether you opted for direct deposit or paper check.
- Beware scams: Any text or email asking for passwords, account credentials, or personal info is likely fraudulent. The official PFD will not request these.
- If you missed the application window in March, some late claims might remain eligible via “Eligible-Not Paid” status, but you’ll need to monitor official notices.
See also $1,400 Payment Approved by IRS for Everyone
This October, Alaska will distribute about 600,000 “stimulus” payments of $1,000 each through its Permanent Fund Dividend program.
While the amount is modest compared to past years, it still provides crucial support, especially in a state with high living costs. To receive it, applicants had to satisfy strict residency, legal, physical presence, and application rules.
The payments will be issued on October 2 (direct deposit) and October 23 (paper checks), with additional waves through November for late approvals.
If you live in Alaska and applied correctly, keep an eye on your status and banking information — and watch for official PFD notifications (not scams).
Yes — if your application’s status becomes “Eligible-Not Paid” by October 13, you should receive the payment in the October 23 round, or later in November.
No — eligibility is based on residency and status for the full qualifying year (2024). Children born afterward would only qualify for future dividends.
You may still qualify if your absence was for an allowed purpose (e.g. military, education, health care) or if your absence is within the 180-day maximum, subject to PFD rules.
