State Stimulus Payments – Check Your Eligibility for $3,200 or $1,702

Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a program that distributes a portion of the state’s oil and mineral revenue to its residents each year. For 2024, the amount of the PFD has caused confusion and concern as the expected payment has fluctuated. Initially, Alaskans were set to receive $3,200, but this figure was later adjusted to $1,702, leaving many wondering why the change occurred and how it impacts them.

Check Amount

Alaska’s economy heavily relies on oil revenues, meaning any shifts in oil prices can directly affect the size of the Permanent Fund and the dividend distributed to residents. The $3,200 payment that was originally approved in May reflected a higher revenue forecast, but as oil prices and state revenue projections changed, the amount was reduced.

Another factor influencing the decrease is public spending and state budget priorities. Alaska must balance its budget, and when revenue falls short, other critical expenses such as infrastructure, healthcare, and public services can take priority. The reduction to $1,702 likely reflects adjustments to these financial obligations.

Who Qualifies

To qualify for the PFD check, residents must meet specific eligibility criteria:

• Residency: Applicants must have lived in Alaska for the entire year before applying.
• Absence Restrictions: Extended absences without a valid reason, such as education or military service, may disqualify an applicant.
• Application Deadline: The deadline for the 2024 dividend application was in March 2024, so only those who submitted on time will receive payments this year.

If you missed the deadline, you’ll have to wait for the 2025 PFD application period.

Application

If you’ve already applied for the 2024 PFD, it’s a good idea to check your application status to ensure it’s being processed correctly. You can do this easily through the “myPFD” portal on the Permanent Fund’s official website. This portal allows applicants to:

• Review application status
• Confirm payment details
• Update personal information such as address or banking details (if the application was submitted electronically)

For those who submitted paper applications, updates to personal information require submitting a change-of-address form to a PFD office in Alaska.

Payment Dates

The state has announced two main payment phases for the 2024 PFD:

1. October 3, 2024: The first round of payments will be sent via direct deposit to applicants who submitted their applications online and selected this payment method.
2. October 24, 2024: The second batch of payments will be issued to those receiving paper checks or who mailed their applications.

After these two dates, payments will continue monthly as remaining applications are reviewed and approved.

You Don’t Receive Your Payment

If your payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date, there are a few steps you can take:

• Check the “myPFD” portal: Ensure that your application was processed correctly and that there are no issues with your bank account or address details.
• Contact the PFD office: If everything appears correct but your payment hasn’t arrived, reach out to the PFD offices directly for assistance.

Delays can sometimes be caused by simple mistakes such as an incorrect address or a mistyped bank account number, so resolving these issues early can help avoid longer delays.

The reduction in Alaska’s 2024 PFD from $3,200 to $1,702 is a result of changing oil revenues and state budget needs. While the lower payment amount may be disappointing for some, it reflects Alaska’s broader financial obligations and economic shifts. Residents can expect payments to be delivered starting in October, with both direct deposits and paper checks arriving based on the chosen payment method.

For those still waiting, checking the “myPFD” portal for updates and ensuring all personal information is correct will help ensure that your payment arrives on time.

FAQs