HUNDREDS of thousands of Americans are receiving stimulus checks worth $1,702, funded via a popular state’s annual program.
As the payments go out, see what steps you should take if you are still waiting for the cash to hit your bank account.
Hundreds of thousands of Americans are eligible to receive cash payments from an annual program[/caption]
The annual payments function similarly to the stimulus checks handed out by the federal government[/caption]
Although Americans are no longer receiving economic impact payments from the federal government, a number of state-run programs hand out cash that functions similarly to stimulus checks, offering a financial boost for cash-strapped residents.
For example, over in Alaska, payments go out each year to eligible residents from the state’s Permanent Fund Dividend, or PFD.
The PFD was created by officials to help manage profits from Alaska’s oil and natural resources, ensuring that current and future residents receive a share of the wealth.
The once-yearly payments – comprised of a portion of the PFD total from the previous year – vary based on factors including oil prices and the fund’s investment performance.
The 2024 PFD amount, with distributions worth $1,702, is currently being sent out to qualifying Alaskans.
The payment amount includes $1,440 from the fund plus a one-time $262 energy relief bonus due to high oil prices.
This is a 30% bump from the payments sent out in 2023, worth $1,312.
Applications that residents submitted from 2024 and prior years that were in the “Eligible-Not Paid” status on July 9, 2025, were distributed last week on July 17, 2025.
Qualifying 2024 and previous year applications that have yet to be paid on August 13, 2025, will be sent out on August 21, 2025.
Although applications to receive a PFD payment from the 2024 PFD were closed on March 31, 2025, applications for the next payment will reopen between January 1 and March 31 of next year.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Roughly 600,000 Alaskans receive a check from the PFD each year.
There are several requirements that residents must meet in order to qualify for the cash.
For example, Alaskans must have lived in the state during the entire 2024 calendar year to be eligible for this year’s distribution.
They must also intend to remain an Alaskan resident indefinitely at the time of application and must not have claimed residency in another state or country or received benefits associated tied to the claim since December 31, 2023.
Alaska PFD vs stimulus
The PFD payment is a bit different than the stimulus check Americans received during the pandemic.
The PFD is made to residents of a specific region from the earnings of a permanent or sovereign wealth fund.
Alaska has a sovereign wealth fund called the Alaska Permanent Fund, established in 1976.
It is funded mainly through the revenue produced from Alaska’s oil and gas reserves.
Every year, part of the funds are distributed to Alaskan residents as dividends.
Additionally, Alaskans must not have been convicted of a felony or incarcerated due to a felony or misdemeanor in 2024.
PFD applicants must also not have been absent from Alaska for over 180 days in 2024 and must have spent at least 72 consecutive hours in Alaska at some point during 2023 or 2024.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE WAITING
If you are still waiting for your 2024 PFD check, there are a few steps you can take to check its status and ensure receipt of your money.
For example, residents can visit the Alaska Department of Revenue’s Permanent Fund Dividend Division website and use the “myPFD” tool to check their application status.
You can find out if it is categorized as “Eligible – Not Paid” or if there is any action required from your end to complete your application.
Be sure to check the accuracy of your mailing and physical address, phone numbers, and email.
If you have moved, you can update your mailing address through the online portal if you filed electronically.
Your online account will permit you to review how your payment is being disbursed, such as direct deposit or check, as well as any deductions that may have been applied to your dividend.
If you selected direct deposit and have yet to receive your money, check with your bank to see if the cash was deposited into a different account or if the deposit was rejected for any reason.
If the scheduled payment date for your application has passed and you have not received your check, you can contact the PFD division directly by visiting one of their offices, mailing documents, calling, or emailingdor.pfd.info@alaska.gov.
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