Alaska residents are excited about the $1,702 stimulus payment coming in August 2025 through the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program. This annual payment, funded by the state’s oil and gas earnings, provides financial relief to thousands of Alaskans. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the 2025 PFD, including payment dates, eligibility requirements, how to check your status, and tips to ensure you receive your payment. Optimized for SEO, this article uses simple language to help you understand this unique Alaskan program.
What Is the $1,702 Stimulus Payment?
The $1,702 payment is part of Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program, a state initiative that shares a portion of the state’s oil and gas revenue with eligible residents. Unlike federal stimulus checks issued during the COVID-19 pandemic, this payment is a regular annual dividend unique to Alaska. It’s designed to help residents with everyday expenses and boost the local economy.
Breakdown of the 2025 PFD Payment
The 2025 PFD payment totals $1,702 per eligible resident and includes two parts:
- Base Dividend: $1,440, calculated from the earnings of the Alaska Permanent Fund.
- Energy Relief Bonus: $262, added due to high oil prices in 2024, helping residents cope with rising energy costs.
This amount is a significant increase from the 2024 PFD of $1,312, offering nearly 30% more financial support. The payment is taxable at the federal level, but Alaska has no state income tax, so you won’t owe state taxes on it.
History of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend
The PFD program began in 1976 when Alaska decided to share its oil wealth with its residents. The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC) manages the fund, investing oil and gas revenue in stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets. Today, the fund is worth over $81 billion, and each year, a portion of its earnings is distributed to eligible Alaskans.
The program’s goal is to ensure that Alaska’s natural resources benefit all residents, not just the government or corporations. Since 1982, the PFD has provided annual payments to Alaskans, with amounts varying based on the fund’s performance and state decisions. In 2022, the PFD reached a record high of $3,284, including a one-time energy relief payment.
Who Qualifies for the $1,702 Payment?
Not every Alaskan automatically receives the PFD. You must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify. Here’s what you need to know:
Eligibility Requirements
- Residency: You must have lived in Alaska for the entire 2024 calendar year and intend to stay in the state indefinitely.
- Physical Presence: You must have been in Alaska for at least 72 hours in 2023 or 2024. Absences longer than 180 days are allowed only for specific reasons, such as military service, medical treatment, or education.
- Criminal History: You must not have been convicted of a felony or incarcerated for a felony in 2024. Certain misdemeanor convictions may also disqualify you.
- Application: You must have submitted a PFD application by March 31, 2025. Late applications are not accepted.
- Documentation: You need a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.
Every family member, including children, must submit a separate application. For example, a family of four could receive $6,808 if all members qualify.
2025 PFD Payment Schedule
The Alaska Department of Revenue processes PFD payments in batches. If your application is approved and marked “Eligible-Not Paid,” you’ll receive your payment according to the following schedule:
| Date | Status Deadline | Payment Details |
|---|---|---|
| July 17, 2025 | July 9, 2025 | First wave of direct deposits and mailed checks |
| August 21, 2025 | August 13, 2025 | Second wave of direct deposits and mailed checks |
| September 18, 2025 | September 3, 2025 | Additional payments for eligible applicants |
- Direct Deposits: Payments typically arrive on the scheduled date if your bank details are correct.
- Paper Checks: Mailed checks may take 1–2 weeks to arrive, depending on your location.
To avoid delays, ensure your bank information and mailing address are up to date on the myPFD portal.
How to Check Your PFD Status
You can track your application and payment status through the Alaska Department of Revenue’s myPFD portal at pfd.alaska.gov. Here’s how:
- Log In: Use your myAlaska account to access the myPFD portal.
- Check Status: Look for “Eligible-Not Paid” or “Paid” to see where your application stands.
- Update Details: Verify your bank account or mailing address to avoid delays.
- View History: Check past PFD payments for reference.
If your status is still “Eligible-Not Paid” after August 21, 2025, contact the PFD office at (907) 465-2326 or visit a local office in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure you receive your $1,702 payment on time, avoid these common errors:
- Missing the Application Deadline: Applications for 2025 closed on March 31, 2025. Late submissions are not accepted.
- Incorrect Bank Details: Double-check your bank account information for direct deposits.
- Outdated Address: Update your mailing address if you’ve moved to receive paper checks.
- Incomplete Applications: Provide all required documents, including proof of residency and a valid Social Security number or ITIN.
- Claiming Residency Elsewhere: You cannot claim residency in another state or country for 2024.
Correcting these issues early can prevent delays or denials.
How to Use Your $1,702 PFD Payment
The PFD provides flexible financial support, and Alaskans use it in various ways. Here are some ideas based on the 50/30/20 budgeting rule:
- 50% for Needs: Use $851 for essentials like rent, groceries, heating fuel, or utility bills.
- 30% for Wants: Spend $510 on entertainment, local travel, or home improvements.
- 20% for Savings: Save $341 for emergencies, college funds, or retirement.
In rural Alaska, where heating and supplies are costly, many residents use the PFD for winter preparation, bulk shopping, or medical travel. The payment also boosts local businesses, as it increases cash flow in the Alaskan economy.
Tax Implications of the PFD
The $1,702 PFD is considered taxable income by the IRS. Here’s what you need to know:
- Federal Taxes: You’ll receive a Form 1099-MISC in January 2026 to report the payment on your 2025 federal tax return. The amount may affect your income bracket or eligibility for federal benefits.
- State Taxes: Alaska has no state income tax, so you won’t owe state taxes on the PFD.
- Planning Ahead: Set aside a portion of the payment for taxes if you expect to owe money.
Consult a tax professional if you’re unsure how the PFD affects your taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the $1,702 payment a federal stimulus check?
No, it’s the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, a state program funded by oil and gas revenue, not a federal stimulus.
Who can receive the $1,702 payment?
Alaska residents who lived in the state for all of 2024, intend to stay indefinitely, have no disqualifying criminal convictions, and applied by March 31, 2025, are eligible.
When will I receive my payment?
Payments are scheduled for July 17, August 21, and September 18, 2025, for those with “Eligible-Not Paid” status by the respective deadlines (July 9, August 13, and September 3).
Can children receive the PFD?
Yes, children qualify if their guardian submits an application by the deadline and they meet residency requirements.
What if I haven’t received my payment by August 21, 2025?
Check your status on the myPFD portal. If it’s “Eligible-Not Paid,” contact the PFD office for assistance.
Is the PFD taxable?
Yes, it’s taxable at the federal level. You’ll receive a Form 1099-MISC to report it on your 2025 tax return. Alaska has no state income tax.
Can I still apply for the 2025 PFD?
No, the deadline was March 31, 2025. Applications for 2026 will open from January 1 to March 31, 2026.
Today’s News: August 2025 PFD Update
As of August 5, 2025, the Alaska Department of Revenue is processing the second wave of PFD payments, set for August 21, 2025. Residents with “Eligible-Not Paid” status by August 13, 2025, will receive their $1,702 payment via direct deposit or mailed check. The department urges residents to verify their bank details and addresses on the myPFD portal to avoid delays. Rumors of a federal $1,702 stimulus check have been debunked—only Alaska’s PFD program offers this payment.
Conclusion
The $1,702 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend for 2025 is a valuable opportunity for eligible residents to ease financial pressures and support their households. By understanding the eligibility criteria, payment schedule, and how to avoid common mistakes, you can ensure you receive your payment on time. Whether you use it for bills, savings, or local spending, this payment is a unique benefit of living in Alaska. Check your status on the myPFD portal, update your information, and plan ahead for the 2026 application window if you missed this year’s deadline. Stay informed with trusted sources like the Alaska Department of Revenue to make the most of this financial relief.