Alaska residents are set to receive one of the highest-ever stimulus payments in 2025 through the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program. Each eligible person will get a total of $1,702, which is split into two parts—$298.17 for energy support and $1,403.83 as direct cash. This is a 30% increase compared to 2024.
This increase comes at a time when Alaska is facing serious financial pressure. The state’s oil revenue is falling, and ongoing political challenges make it hard to balance public spending and long-term savings.
Who Can Get Alaska’s PFD Check in 2025?
To qualify for the PFD payment, Alaska residents must meet three clear rules:
You must have lived in Alaska for the full year before applying
You must have been physically present in Alaska for at least 72 hours in the past two years
You must not have been convicted of serious crimes in the last year
If you submitted your application before March 31, 2024, your PFD payment will arrive on April 17, 2025.
But even if you missed that date, you might still be able to get the money. If your status is “Eligible-Not Paid,” you can apply by April 9, 2025 either online or through traditional mail.
What If You Miss the Deadline?
Many people in remote parts of Alaska might not have easy access to banks or online tools. Experts say these delays could cause financial trouble, especially for families in rural areas that depend heavily on this money. So, acting early is key.
Is the PFD Program in Danger?
The PFD was created in 1976 to share profits from Alaska’s oil industry with the people. But now, because of low oil income and higher spending needs like public education, the program is under stress.
If no action is taken, the yearly PFD amount might drop below $1,000 in the future. Lawmakers are now discussing three main solutions:
Withdraw money from the Budget Reserve Account (CBR)—but this needs two-thirds approval in Congress Use more money from the Permanent Fund—but this could harm Alaska’s credit rating
Raise taxes—but Governor Mike Dunleavy has promised to block any tax hikes
Two bills, SB 92 and SB 112, were designed to increase income by raising oil company contributions. However, both bills are stuck in the legislature, and no clear decision has been made yet.
Unclaimed CARES Act Stimulus: Final Chance for Expats
Meanwhile, there is another deadline approaching for Americans living outside the US. Under the CARES Act, passed in March 2020, US citizens abroad can still claim $1,200 per adult and $500 per child, but only until April 15, 2024.
To qualify, expats must have:
Filed US tax returns for 2018 or 2019
Or registered before November 21, 2020
If you missed both, you can still claim by filing a 2020 tax return using Form 1040 or 1040-SR, including the Refund Recovery Credit (RRC).
After April 15, unclaimed money will go back to the US Treasury, and it won’t be recoverable. People are advised to check using the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool or consult with a tax expert.
Alaska’s 2025 PFD payment is one of the largest ever, offering much-needed support to residents, especially in tough financial times. But as oil revenues fall and political debates continue, the program’s future remains uncertain.
At the same time, millions of Americans abroad still have one last chance to claim their pandemic relief funds. Whether you live in Alaska or overseas, now is the time to act and secure your rightful benefits before deadlines close.
