Goodbye to $1702 Stimulus Check – The Alaska PFD’s Announced New Amount from October 2025

This year, the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is set at $1,000 — the lowest amount in five years. While it’s not unexpected, many Alaskans may feel the pinch, especially with inflation making this the smallest dividend ever in real terms. Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 PFD payment.

Key Details

When and How the $1,000 PFD Will Be Paid

Over 600,000 Alaskans will receive their dividend payments starting October 2. If you applied online and chose direct deposit, you’ll be in the first group to get paid.

However, if you submitted a paper application or asked for a physical check, your payment will be delayed and is expected to arrive around October 23.

To check the status of your PFD, you can visit the official Alaska Department of Revenue website.

Why is the 2025 Dividend So Low?

The $1,000 amount was already set back in May, when state lawmakers passed the budget. While Governor Mike Dunleavy had proposed a much higher PFD of about $3,900, that plan was scrapped. Here’s why:

• Approving the governor’s proposed amount would have drained more than half of Alaska’s main savings (rainy-day) fund.
• The state is facing lower oil revenues and economic uncertainty.
• To balance things, lawmakers decided to cut back on both state services and the dividend.

So, even though many Alaskans hoped for a larger amount, the focus shifted to keeping the state’s budget stable.

History of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend

The PFD has been paid every year since 1982. It comes from the Alaska Permanent Fund, a state-owned investment fund built from oil and gas revenues. The idea is to give residents a share of the state’s natural wealth.

Here’s how the fund works:

• In 2018, the state started using up to 5% of the fund’s value every year to help pay for both dividends and other government expenses.
• As of now, the fund is worth over $86 billion.

Even though the fund is strong, the state still has to make tough decisions each year about how much to spend and how much to save.

What This Means for Alaskans

For many families, the PFD is more than just a bonus — it helps cover things like heating bills, groceries, school expenses, and travel costs. A lower dividend can have a real impact, especially in rural areas where the cost of living is high.

But lawmakers argue that it’s more important to protect the state’s financial future than to give out a bigger PFD in the short term.

While the $1,000 dividend is a disappointment to many, it reflects Alaska’s effort to manage its finances responsibly during uncertain times. With lower oil revenues and an unpredictable economy, the state chose to prioritise long-term stability over short-term gains. For now, Alaskans will have to make the most of a smaller dividend — and keep an eye on how future budgets shape up.

FAQ

Q1: Why is the 2025 Alaska PFD only $1,000?

Lawmakers approved a lower dividend to manage the state’s budget better. Falling oil revenues and financial uncertainty led to a smaller payout to avoid draining the rainy-day fund.

Q2: When will Alaskans receive their PFD payments in 2025?

Payments will begin on October 2 for those who applied online with direct deposit. Paper applications and check requests will be paid around October 23.

Q3: How can I check the status of my PFD application?

You can visit the Alaska Department of Revenue’s official website to check your application status and payment details.

Q4: Was a higher PFD amount proposed for 2025?

Yes, Governor Mike Dunleavy proposed a dividend of about $3,900, but it was rejected by lawmakers due to its heavy impact on the state’s savings.

Q5: Has the Alaska PFD ever been this low before?

This year’s $1,000 dividend is the lowest in five years and the smallest ever when adjusted for inflation.