Alaska is rolling out a $1,702 stimulus payment in August 2025 as part of its Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program. This payment combines a regular dividend of $1,403.83 and a $298.17 energy relief bonus to help with rising costs like fuel and heating. Unlike federal stimulus checks from past years, this payment is only for Alaska residents. It aims to share the state’s oil wealth with around 600,000 eligible people, giving a financial boost to families across the state.
Who Qualifies for the Payment?
To get the $1,702, you must meet specific rules set by the Alaska Department of Revenue. You need to have lived in Alaska for all of 2024 and intend to stay there permanently. You cannot have claimed residency elsewhere since December 31, 2023, and must have spent at least 72 hours in Alaska during 2023 or 2024. People with certain criminal convictions or those in prison during 2024 cannot receive it. The deadline to apply was March 31, 2025, so only those who applied on time are eligible.
| Eligibility Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Full year in Alaska during 2024 |
| Physical Presence | At least 72 hours in Alaska in 2023 or 2024 |
| Criminal Status | No disqualifying convictions or 2024 incarceration |
When Will Payments Arrive?
The payment schedule is clear and depends on your application status. If your application is marked “Eligible-Not Paid” by August 13, 2025, you’ll get the payment on August 21, 2025. For applications cleared by September 3, 2025, payments go out on September 11, 2025. Later dates include October 2 and October 23 for applications approved by September 18 and October 13, respectively. Direct deposits are faster, while paper checks may take an extra week or two.
| Payment Date | Application Status Deadline |
|---|---|
| August 21, 2025 | Eligible by August 13, 2025 |
| September 11, 2025 | Eligible by September 3, 2025 |
| October 2, 2025 | Eligible by September 18, 2025 |
How to Track Your Payment
You can check your application status on the PFD website at pfd.alaska.gov. Use the “myPFD” portal to update your bank details or address if you signed your application online. If you used a paper form, send an Address Change Form to a PFD office. Checking your details early prevents delays, as mistakes like an old address can hold up your payment for weeks.
Smart Ways to Use the Payment
This $1,702 can make a big difference if used wisely. Consider these options:
- Pay off high-interest debts like credit cards to save money in the long run.
- Add to an emergency savings fund for unexpected costs.
- Cover essential bills like utilities or groceries to ease monthly budgets.
- Invest in home improvements, like insulation, to cut energy costs.
- Support local businesses by spending in your community, which helps the economy.
Tax and Financial Tips
The PFD is taxable at the federal level, so you’ll need to report it on your 2025 tax return. It won’t be taxed by Alaska, but it could affect your federal tax credits or bracket. Talking to a tax advisor can help you plan for any extra tax you might owe. Saving a small portion of the payment for taxes is a smart move to avoid surprises in 2026.
Clearing Up Misconceptions
Some websites have wrongly claimed this $1,702 payment is for all Americans. It’s not. Only eligible Alaskans get the PFD, and no federal stimulus of this amount is planned for 2025. Be wary of false information online, and always check official sources like the Alaska PFD website. For those in Alaska, this payment is a valuable resource, so make sure your application is ready and use the money thoughtfully to get the most benefit.