Goodbye to $1,702 Stimulus Payments ― One Group Will stop Receiving Checks in May

As the month of May 2025 rolls in, thousands of Alaskans are celebrating the arrival of their $1,702 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) payments—an annual financial boost drawn from the state’s oil wealth. However, while many residents welcome the stimulus, others will find themselves left out this year due to tightened eligibility rules. These changes reflect a broader effort by the Alaska Department of Revenue to maintain the integrity and long-term sustainability of the fund.

What Is the Alaska PFD and How Much Is It in 2025?

The Permanent Fund Dividend was created in 1976 as a way to share Alaska’s oil revenues directly with its residents. Each year, the state distributes a portion of the Permanent Fund’s earnings to qualifying residents.

In 2025, eligible Alaskans will receive:

• Base Dividend: $1,403.83
• Energy Relief Bonus: $298.17
• Total Payment: $1,702

These payments provide meaningful economic relief, especially in rural communities where the cost of living is high and incomes can be limited.

Who Is Eligible for the 2025 PFD?

To qualify for this year’s PFD, residents had to meet strict criteria. These include:

• Full-year Alaska residency in 2024 with the intent to remain in the state.
• Lived in Alaska for 12 consecutive months before January 1, 2025.
• Physically present in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours within the past two years.
• No residency claims in another state during the qualifying period.
• No felony convictions and no more than two misdemeanors in 2024.
• Must have a valid Social Security Number.
• Filed an application through the official PFD site between January 1 and March 31, 2025.

Payments will be distributed on May 15, 2025, for those marked as “Eligible – Not Paid” by May 7, 2025. Additional payments will continue in June for approved late applicants.

Who Will Stop Receiving Payments in May 2025?

While many Alaskans meet the eligibility criteria, several categories of residents will no longer receive the 2025 PFD:

Disqualified Group	Reason for Exclusion
Claimed Dependents	Individuals listed as dependents on another’s tax return
No SSN	Lack of a valid Social Security Number
Criminal Convictions	Felony or more than two misdemeanor convictions in 2024
Non-Filers	People not required to file taxes (often low-income or non-residents)

These exclusions aim to ensure that PFD checks go to individuals who are actively engaged in the state, legally compliant, and contributing members of Alaskan society.

Why These Exclusions Matter

The tightening of eligibility rules underscores the state’s intent to protect the fund from misuse and maintain public trust. By excluding individuals with multiple or serious criminal records and those not rooted in the state, the Alaska Department of Revenue aims to keep the PFD focused on those most invested in Alaska’s future.

The policy also ensures that the fund is not depleted by distributing checks to people who do not meet the core residency or conduct requirements, preserving it for future generations.

The Economic Impact of the PFD

Each $1,702 payment represents more than personal financial aid—it’s a significant injection into the state’s economy. Especially in rural and remote communities, the PFD serves as a lifeline, helping residents afford basic necessities like food, fuel, and healthcare.

Economic Benefit	Impact
Individual Stimulus	$1,702 per eligible resident
Household Boost	Can amount to thousands for families
Local Spending	Strengthens small businesses and services

The PFD has become a symbol of Alaskan identity, offering both financial relief and a reminder of shared state wealth.

What Alaskans Should Do Next

Residents should:

• Check PFD application status on the official PFD website.
• Confirm eligibility for next year by avoiding disqualifying actions like felony charges.
• Keep personal and residency records updated to ensure continued eligibility.

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