A $1,702 payment is landing in bank accounts starting Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and if you’re a resident of Alaska, this could be a much-needed boost right as summer begins. Many are calling it a “stimulus-style” check, but here’s the real story: it’s Alaska’s annual Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), and it’s paying out big this year. If you filed on time and meet eligibility requirements, your money is coming soon.
This year’s PFD is one of the highest in recent years, totaling $1,702 per person, which includes a special energy relief bonus to help with Alaska’s notoriously high cost of living. Whether you’re a family of five or living on your own, this payment could cover essentials, help pay off debt, or fund that overdue summer trip.
What Exactly Is the PFD and Why Is Alaska Sending $1,702?
The Permanent Fund Dividend is a yearly payment from the state of Alaska, funded by oil revenues. The state invests money earned from natural resources into a long-term savings account known as the Permanent Fund. Every year, a portion of that fund’s earnings is returned to residents who qualify.
For 2025, each eligible Alaskan will receive:
-
$1,403.83 as the core dividend
-
$298.17 as a one-time energy relief bonus
That totals to a healthy $1,702 per person.
This is not a federal stimulus check, but it feels like one—especially with rising prices and inflation still pinching wallets across the state.
Who Gets the Money? Eligibility Made Simple
To qualify for the 2025 PFD, you must meet the following conditions:
-
You were an Alaska resident for all of 2024
-
You intend to stay in Alaska long-term
-
You spent at least 72 hours in Alaska during the past two years
-
You did NOT serve time for a felony or certain misdemeanors in 2024
-
You submitted your application by March 31, 2025
If you checked all those boxes, and your status is listed as “Eligible – Not Paid” on the official PFD site as of June 11, your payment is scheduled for release on June 18.
How You’ll Get Paid: Direct Deposit or Check?
Payments are being distributed in two forms:
-
Direct Deposit: If you selected this option and were eligible by June 11, you’ll see the $1,702 hit your account on Wednesday, June 18.
-
Paper Checks: If you opted for a check, expect it to be mailed out the same week. Mail delivery times may vary depending on your location.
If you haven’t received your payment yet or your status hasn’t changed, don’t panic. More payment rounds are scheduled later in the year—including one likely in August.
Key Payout Dates to Know
Here’s a quick look at the 2025 payment schedule:
-
April 2025 – First batch went out to early applicants
-
June 18, 2025 – Second batch (current round)
-
August 2025 – Expected third round for late approvals
To receive the June payment, your application must have been processed and approved by June 11.
Why This Matters: A Real Lifeline for Many
This payout isn’t just a bonus—it’s a lifeline. With high food prices, rising utility bills, and increased transportation costs in rural Alaska, the PFD helps families catch up or stay ahead. For some, it covers back-to-school costs. For others, it pays for heating oil or helps eliminate debt.
And unlike federal stimulus checks, this one happens every year—as long as the oil money holds out.
What Should You Do Now?
-
Check your status.
-
Confirm your bank details if expecting direct deposit
-
Monitor your mailbox for paper checks
-
Apply early in 2026 if you missed the March 31 deadline this year
Don’t forget—this is your share of Alaska’s wealth, and every eligible resident should claim it.
