In 2025, Alaska residents have something to look forward to—an upcoming $1,702 payout made up of the annual Permanent Fund Dividend and an added Energy Relief Bonus. This combined payment comes at a crucial time, offering financial relief as many households face higher living costs. Whether you’re a long-time Alaskan or a recent resident, here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply for this valuable financial support.
Breakdown
The total $1,702 payment includes two distinct parts:
- Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD): $1,403.83, funded by Alaska’s oil revenues. It’s the state’s way of sharing wealth from natural resources with its residents.
- Energy Relief Bonus: $298.17, aimed at offsetting the high cost of energy, especially during harsh winter months.
These payments work together to offer both long-term economic support and immediate relief from rising utility costs.
| Payment Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| PFD | $1,403.83 |
| Energy Relief Bonus | $298.17 |
| Total | $1,702 |
Eligibility
Not everyone automatically qualifies. Alaska uses a strict set of guidelines to determine who gets the payment. Here’s what you need to check:
1. Residency
You must live in Alaska as your primary home and intend to stay indefinitely. Things like a permanent job, family ties, or home ownership can support your claim.
2. Physical Presence
You should have been physically present in Alaska for at least 72 straight hours during either 2022 or 2023.
3. Absences
If you were away for more than 180 days, your time away needs to fall into allowed categories, like:
- Attending college out of state
- Military service (or accompanying a family member)
- Medical treatment unavailable in Alaska
4. Legal Standing
- No felony convictions during 2023
- No multiple misdemeanors or felony-related incarcerations during the qualifying period
5. No Other Residency Claims
You can’t have claimed residency in another state or country after December 31, 2022. The program is strictly for current, full-time Alaska residents.
Application
Getting your hands on the payout is a smooth process if you follow the steps closely:
Step 1
Head over to the Alaska Department of Revenue PFD portal starting April 1, 2025. Bookmark the site and check for updates.
Step 2
Enter your full name, Social Security number, address, and other basic details. Double-check everything—mistakes can slow you down.
Step 3
You may need to upload proof like:
- Utility bills or lease agreements
- Pay stubs or job letters
- School or medical records (if you were out of state)
Step 4
Once submitted, keep tabs on your application using the myPFD portal. It lets you fix errors, add missing info, or respond to follow-ups.
Step 5
Here’s the payout schedule based on when your application is approved:
| Approval Date | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| By December 11, 2024 | December 19, 2024 |
| By February 12, 2025 | February 20, 2025 |
| By April 8, 2025 | April 16, 2025 |
Importance
This isn’t just a handout—it’s Alaska’s way of making sure everyone benefits from the state’s natural resources. The payment helps:
- Families: Cover essential costs like food, heating, and healthcare
- Small Businesses: Boost the local economy by increasing spending
- Winter Expenses: Offset rising utility costs during the coldest months
Taxes
Understanding the tax side of things is key. Here’s how each part of the payment is treated:
- PFD ($1,403.83): Taxable at the federal level. You’ll need to include it on your IRS return.
- Energy Relief Bonus ($298.17): Likely exempt from federal taxes, since it’s considered emergency relief.
It’s smart to check with a tax pro just to be sure everything’s filed correctly and you’re getting the best refund possible.
