In addition to the usual PFD, Alaskans will get a $300 energy relief stimulus check in 2024. Because of the state’s severe weather and high cost of living, residents have been finding it difficult to keep up with the rising energy bills. This one-time payment is intended to help residents deal with this issue.
The Purpose
The additional $300 payment is not merely a perk; it is a necessary step to assist Alaskans in coping with the exorbitant expenses of energy and heating, which can be a major hardship, particularly during the long, very cold winters.
This relief payment serves as an economic cushion, offering extra assistance above and above the monthly dividend, as energy costs frequently deplete family budgets.
Important Dates
A type of shared prosperity, Alaska’s approach to utilizing its natural resources for the benefit of its citizens guarantees that those who live in this resource-rich but difficult environment can partake in some of the state’s economic advantages.
The PFD amount is determined annually using the Permanent Fund’s revenues, which are subsequently disbursed to qualified residents.
The state legislature has allotted $914 million for 2024, which translates into a dividend of $1,702 per person and includes:
| Payment Component | Amount |
| Regular PFD | $1,403.83 |
| Energy Relief Payment | $300 |
| Total Payment Per Person | $1,702 |
The payment will be made on October 26 to those who filed their PFD applications and whose status was listed as “Eligible-Not Paid” as of October 18.
Both paper and internet submissions must follow this timeline. Payments will be made either physical checks or direct deposit, depending on the method chosen throughout the application process.
Physical checks may take longer to get to their receivers than direct deposits, which often arrive sooner.
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Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible for the 2024 PFD, residents need to fulfill certain requirements. The purpose of these conditions is to guarantee that the dividend is distributed solely to people who actually reside in Alaska and make contributions to the state.
The following are a few essential requirements:
- Residency: Candidates need to have lived in Alaska throughout 2023 and intend to remain there permanently. Residency in any other state or nation should not be claimed by them.
- Criminal Record: Those who have been imprisoned for a felony or found guilty of a felony in 2023 are not eligible for the PFD. Even those convicted of less serious crimes may be eligible, but they will need to fulfill further conditions.
- Absence Limits: An applicant’s absences from Alaska in 2023 must be justified by an acceptable reason (such as military service or study) if they lasted longer than 180 days. Additionally, the candidate must have spent a minimum of 72 hours in Alaska between 2022 or 2023.
Those who may have been briefly absent for legitimate reasons are granted exceptions under these regulations, which guarantee that the PFD supports actual residents.
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Impact on Energy Relief
More than just a little extra, the additional $300 energy relief payment means a lot of money to many Alaskan families. These expenses can put a strain on family budgets in a place where severe weather conditions necessitate high energy use all year round.
Even though it is a one-time payment, it offers much-needed respite, especially for families with lower incomes or those facing exorbitant living expenditures. The sum of $1,702 per person, when added to the usual PFD, can have a significant impact and assist families in managing yearly expenses.
Additionally, by guaranteeing the equitable distribution of Alaska’s natural resource wealth, the energy relief check demonstrates the state’s larger commitment to its citizens. The $300 offers a notable buffer for people who are dealing with rising energy prices, even though it might not cover all of the additional expenses.
The $300 energy relief check and Alaska’s 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend serve as examples of how the state uses its natural resources to benefit its people.
