Americans in Alaska will soon see an additional direct payment as part of the state’s longstanding initiative, the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Established in 1976, this program shares the profits from the state’s abundant oil and natural resources with residents. In a few days, eligible Alaskans will receive stimulus checks amounting to $1,702 each. This amount comprises $1,440 from the PFD alongside an energy relief bonus of $262, reflecting increased oil prices.
The PFD distributions have seen a notable increase of 30% since 2023, providing financial support to around 600,000 residents annually. For residents who had “Eligible-Not Paid” status in previous years, payments are expected to be deposited on July 17, 2025. In contrast, those who did not hold that status will receive their payments later, on August 21.
Eligibility criteria include residency in Alaska for the entire 2023 calendar year, not claiming residency in another state or receiving benefits from another locale since the end of 2023, and maintaining a clean legal record over the past 12 months. Furthermore, applicants must not have been absent from Alaska for more than 180 days during 2024.
In addition to the PFD, Alaska announced earlier this month an increase in the minimum wage, which will boost earnings for around 20,000 workers by $1.09, bringing the hourly rate to $13. This change is expected to raise annual paychecks by approximately $925 on average.
The PFD approach, while specific to Alaska, is part of a broader trend where states implement similar financial assistance programs. For instance, Mississippi’s Magnolia Mother’s Trust offers $1,000 monthly checks for a year to low-income families, while California’s Abundant Birth Project provides $1,000 a month for a year to select new parents.
These initiatives highlight the growing recognition of the need for financial support in various communities, aiming to provide residents with more stability and security.