As 2025 begins, many Americans are buzzing about possible stimulus checks to help with rising costs. One program making headlines is Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), which paid $1,312 to eligible residents in 2024 and is set to increase to $1,702 in 2025. This payment, funded by the state’s oil revenue, aims to support Alaskans with everyday expenses. While no federal stimulus checks are confirmed for 2025, Alaska’s program has people wondering if they qualify. Here’s what you need to know about the $1,312 (or higher) payment and how to check your eligibility.
Alaska’s Unique Cash Boost
The Permanent Fund Dividend, started in 1976, shares Alaska’s oil wealth with its residents. Each year, the state sends checks to eligible people to help cover living costs and boost the economy. In 2024, about 600,000 Alaskans received $1,312, and the 2025 payment is expected to rise to $1,702 due to surplus oil revenue, according to the Alaska Beacon. This program is exclusive to Alaska, but its success has sparked talk of similar relief in other states. To get the payment, you must meet strict rules set by Alaska’s Department of Revenue.
Who Can Get the Payment?
Eligibility for the PFD is clear but specific. You need to live in Alaska for at least 12 months before applying, plan to stay in the state indefinitely, and have been physically present in Alaska for at least 72 hours in the past two years. People convicted of felonies or certain misdemeanors in the qualifying year don’t qualify. Applications are open from January 1 to March 31 each year, and payments are usually sent out in October by direct deposit or check. Even kids can get the payment if their parents or guardians apply for them.
Eligibility Criteria for Alaska’s PFD
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Live in Alaska for 12 consecutive months before applying |
| Intent to Stay | Plan to remain in Alaska indefinitely |
| Physical Presence | Be in Alaska for at least 72 hours in the past two years |
| Criminal Record | No felony convictions or specific misdemeanors in the qualifying year |
| Application Period | January 1 to March 31 each year |
No Federal Checks for 2025
Unlike the COVID-era stimulus checks, no new federal payments are confirmed for 2025. The last federal stimulus was in 2021, with a deadline to claim unreceived funds by April 15, 2025, via the Recovery Rebate Credit. Some states, like California and Colorado, offer their own relief programs, but nothing matches Alaska’s PFD. Posts on X have mentioned a possible $1,338 federal stimulus, but these claims lack official backing. For now, Alaska’s program is the most reliable source of stimulus-like payments in 2025.
How to Claim Your Payment
If you’re an Alaskan resident, applying for the PFD is simple. Submit your application online or by mail between January 1 and March 31. Make sure you meet all eligibility rules, like residency and no recent felony convictions. Check your application status on the Alaska PFD website to ensure it’s processed. Payments are sent to your bank account or by mail, and you’ll get a letter confirming the amount. If you miss the deadline, you’ll have to wait until the next year to apply.
Don’t Miss Out
The $1,312 (or $1,702 in 2025) PFD payment could be a big help for Alaskans struggling with bills or inflation. If you live in Alaska, check your eligibility and apply early to secure your share. For those outside Alaska, keep an eye on your state’s website for local relief programs, as federal stimulus checks aren’t likely in 2025. Whether it’s a coin jar or a state payout, every bit of extra cash counts—don’t let this opportunity pass you by.
