The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is about to give $1,000 checks to about 600,000 Americans in the United States. This comes from 50 years of history and a program that gives residents a fund with Alaska’s oil revenues—kind of like a stimulus check.
Authorities confirmed that for those who haven’t received their checks yet, they will be sending out more payments on January; people with the “Eligible-Not Paid” status by January 7th, will be receiving their checks on January 15th.
Why are people receiving Permanent Fund Dividends?
This yearly payment comes from an investment of the Alaska Permanent Fund, created in 1976 to save part of the oil revenues. And instead of spending it all that money produced by the natural resources of the area, the state invest part of it, and give a portion to the Alaskan community.
This year, Alaska will be sending $1000 to elegible resident through the PDF; which is lower than last year—in 2024, checks were $1,702.
The first dates for 2026 payments has already been confirmed, so authorities are suggestion to go and check your applications status from now.
Residents can go to the “myPFD” website inch check all the info from now. Applications for the 2026 divided will open from January 1st (from 9:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day), and you will have until March 31 to submit it.
PFD: Eligibility and calendars
Not everyone living in Alaska get the fund automatically, you need to qualify for it. On 2025, all eligible people had to:
- Be an Alaska resident throughout the whole 2024 calendar year and not having claimed residence in another state or country—authorities consider a resident of Alaska someone who was “physically present in the State with the intent to remain in the State indefinitely and to make a home in the State.”
- If you were out Alaska for more than 180 days, it must have been grounded with a permitted absence to do so; otherwise, you wouldn’t receive the check. A few examples of allowed absences are: full-time education, serving in the U.S. USA or providing support to a family member.
There are also some exclusions to who can and cannot apply, like those who have been convicted of a serious crime (felony). And those who where in jail at some point throughout that year for a conviction for a serious or minor crime (misdemeanor).
People with the “Eligible-Not Paid” status by the January 7 will receive their funds on January 15. Applications can start from January 1st, and the last one will be received on March 3. This and more information, you can find in “myPFD”—and apply from it as well.
This year is yet again a different sum from the previous year, although unfortunately, not in a good way:
- 2024: $1,702
- 2023: $1,312
- 2022: $3,284
- 2021: $1,114
- 2020: $992
- 2019: $1,606
- 2018: $1,600
From the state to their citizens
For Alaskans this is a normal thing since years ago, but it doesn’t take the importance away; it’s still a relief in on a year where inflations has been getting its way, and the state’s cost of living is already more expensive than other areas.
It is a lower amount than precedent years, but it still not as low as it was on 2020 with the COVID pandemic ($992). Even though, it will still help the economy within the community. A little more money means paying back a loan, or a debt, or buying something you need or want.. All of this can benefit the community and keep pushing their growth.
Nearly 600,000 people, will receive the check after passing through the process of applications. But remember that it doesn’t arrive magically; so, check your status and confirm that everything is correct from January 1st—if you want to be one of the first to receive the checks on January 15.