As most of the United States has concluded direct stimulus-style payments, Alaska remains one of the only states still actively distributing financial aid to its residents in early 2026. Through the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program, the state has resumed issuing checks for qualifying applications not yet processed during the 2025 cycle.
The PFD is an annual dividend paid to Alaskans from state oil revenues. While the majority of payments were sent last fall, the Alaska Department of Revenue continues to handle pending applications. This final round of distributions includes residents whose eligibility status was still being confirmed at the close of the previous year.
Final round of 2025 PFD Payments Scheduled for mid-January
The most recent wave of payments under Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend program was released on December 18, 2025, for applicants who were marked as “Eligible Unpaid” by December 10. According to official information from the Alaska PFD Division, another and possibly final round is scheduled for January 15, 2026, covering all remaining 2025 applications listed as “Unpaid Eligible” by January 7.
Each qualifying resident will receive $1,000, the fixed amount set for the 2025 dividend. These payments are being delivered either through direct deposit or by mailed check, depending on the applicant’s selected method and account status. In cases where applicants moved or altered their bank details, the PFD Division has reminded residents to promptly update their information via the myPFD portal or by submitting a formal change form.
This continuation into 2026 reflects Alaska’s unique model of resource-based revenue sharing with its population. Unlike federal stimulus checks, the PFD is not tied to income thresholds or economic stimulus policies but instead arises from the earnings of the state’s sovereign wealth fund.
Support for Displaced Residents and Updated Delivery Logistics
Alongside the standard distribution process, the Alaska PFD Division is also addressing the needs of residents displaced by Typhoon Halong, which affected several Western Alaska communities. According to statements from the division, individuals from Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, and Napakiak, where local post offices remain closed, can now receive PFD checks at a temporary mailing facility established in Anchorage.
The Egan Center Mail Unit, located at 555 West 5th Avenue, will serve as a collection point for displaced applicants currently residing in emergency shelters. This measure ensures continuity of access to payments despite ongoing logistical challenges caused by the storm’s impact on infrastructure.
Applicants with pending status can continue checking the progress of their claim using the myPFD service online. Address and banking changes must be submitted in writing or electronically; telephone updates are not accepted, as stated by the division.
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, established in 1982, remains one of the few state-level financial mechanisms offering direct payments to residents. As of January 2026, Alaska stands out as the only state still actively distributing payments from the 2025 cycle, based solely on application processing timelines and eligibility status.
