$1,702 Stimulus Check for Alaska Residents: Here’s Who Qualifies

If you’re an Alaska resident, good news! The $1,702 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) payment is being distributed this year, offering a welcome boost to help with expenses like rent, groceries, and gas. But are you eligible, and when can you expect the payment? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is the $1,702 Payment All About?

The $1,702 isn’t technically a federal stimulus check—it’s Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). The PFD is funded by the state’s oil and gas revenues and is distributed annually to qualifying residents. In 2024, the payout was confirmed at $1,702 per eligible applicant. Payments started in October 2024, but additional distributions will continue into early 2025 for late approvals.

Who Is Eligible for the $1,702 PFD Payment?

To qualify for the payment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: You must have lived in Alaska for the entire calendar year before applying (2024 in this case).
• Intent to Stay: You must intend to live in Alaska indefinitely.
• Absences: If you were out of the state for more than 180 days in 2024, you need to fall under an “allowable absence” category, like military service or education.
• Legal Standing: Applicants cannot have been incarcerated or convicted of certain crimes during the qualifying year.

How to Apply (If You Haven’t Already)

• Application Window: For the 2025 payout cycle, applications are open from January 1 to March 31, 2025.
• How to Apply: Submit your application online at the PFD Alaska website through the myAlaska portal.
• Documents You May Need: Be ready to provide proof of residency, identification, and other documents if the PFD office requests verification.

Payment Dates to Watch

If you’re eligible but haven’t received your PFD yet, here’s when you can expect it:

• January 16, 2025: Payments for applications marked “Eligible-Unpaid” by January 8, 2025.
• February 20, 2025: Next round of payments for those who reach “Eligible-Unpaid” status by February 12, 2025.

Make sure your direct deposit information is accurate to avoid delays. If you’ve moved recently, update your address through the PFD portal.

What Can the $1,702 Be Used For?

There are no restrictions on how you use your PFD. Many families use it to help cover essential expenses like:

• Groceries and gas
• Housing costs (rent or mortgage payments)
• Utility bills
• Healthcare expenses

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If you don’t apply by the March 31, 2025 deadline, you’ll miss out on this year’s payment. So, don’t wait!