Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), a one-time annual payment funded by the state’s oil revenues, has sparked significant legislative discussions regarding the payout amount for permanent Alaskan residents, alongside certain eligibility criteria.
Beginning in April 2025, residents are set to receive a sum of $1,702, which includes $298.17 designated for energy costs and $1,403.83 provided as a direct payment. This figure signifies a 30% increase from 2024, leading to renewed worries concerning the fund’s long-term sustainability.
Eligibility for the 2025 stimulus check PFD
To be eligible, residents must fulfill specific criteria: continuous residency in Alaska for the previous year, physical presence for at least 72 hours within the past two years, and no felony convictions in the past year. Residents who applied by March 31, 2024 will receive their payments on April 17, 2025. Those who missed the application period may still claim prior payments under the “Eligible-Not Paid” status.
The PFD, which was established in 1976, is under pressure due to declining oil revenues and increasing educational funding demands. Projections suggest that, without modifications, the dividend could dip below $1,000 in 2025. Currently, three potential measures are being evaluated in the legislature: tapping emergency funds (CBR), drawing more resources from the permanent fund, or increasing taxes on oil corporations.
The initial option requires a two-thirds majority from Congress, a challenging barrier given the existing political divisions. The second option, while achievable with a simple majority, risks damaging the state’s credit rating. The third proposal includes Senate Bills 92 and 112, which aim to raise $340 million annually through tax changes affecting companies like Hilcorp. However, Governor Mike Dunleavy has pledged to veto any tax increases. The actual amount of stimulus checks to be distributed to Alaskan households has yet to be determined.
Americans in other states can claim a $1,400 check NOW
As discussions continue regarding the PFD stimulus checks, many Americans across the nation (including Alaska residents) can still request up to $1,400 from the third round of stimulus checks approved in 2021. The IRS is allowing applications for the Recovery Refund Credit until April 15, 2025. This benefit is available even to individuals who did not file taxes or received income from programs like Social Security or SSI.
Eligibility for this benefit is determined based on 2021 adjusted gross income (AGI): $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples. If these amounts are surpassed, the credit gradually diminishes. Furthermore, those with unconventional dependents — such as college students or seniors — can claim an additional $1,400 each. To access this benefit, one must file a tax return, even without income, utilizing free services such as IRS Free File.
The IRS has issued 1 million automatic payments since December 2023, but this only affects those who filed taxes and did not claim the credit. Individuals who have yet to file must act before the deadline. Community organizations provide free assistance, and the IRS website features calculators and step-by-step guides.
There are fewer than two weeks remaining until the April 15, 2025 deadline. An estimated $2.4 billion remains unclaimed. Experts caution about potential system overload as the deadline approaches and advise against waiting until the last moment. For those mailing returns, using certified service as proof is recommended.
