Known for its wide-open spaces and lands, an abundance of wildlife, and so much natural beauty, Alaska, the Last Frontier, is a wonderful place to move to.
You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, marvel at the towering snow-covered mountains, learn about Alaskan Native culture or its rich history and culture as the Last Frontier, see wildlife such as whales, bears, moose, and eagles, and enjoy some of nature’s most magnificent sights, like the Northern Lights.
Suffice to say, Alaska is a wonderful place! What makes the 49th state even better is the fact that Alaska is one of the few places that pay you to live there.
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Do You Get Paid to Live in Alaska?
Yes, through the government‘s Permanent Dividend Fund, Alaska residents, including adults and children, are paid a set amount of money each year. So, essentially, you can get paid to live in Alaska.
In 1976, voters passed a constitutional amendment to establish the Permanent Fund. And, in 1980, the first Permanent Fund Dividend legislation was enacted. Now, each resident gets $1,000s in dividends each year that they reside in Alaska.
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How Much Do You Get Paid to Live in Alaska?
The amount of money you get paid to live in Alaska varies from year to year. The 2022 Permanent Fund Dividend amount is $3,284. So, at the time of writing, that’s the amount of money residents could get from the fund.
To find out what the amount is each year, visit this page.
It’s important to note that dividends for adults are taxable for federal income tax purposes. Depending on the amount of the dividend, your child’s dividend may be taxable.
You can learn more about tax on the Permanent Dividend Fund here.
Who is Eligible for the Permanent Fund Dividend?
So, who exactly is eligible for the Permanent Fund Dividend?
Well, to be eligible for a PFD, you must have been an Alaska resident for the entire calendar year preceding the date you apply for a dividend and intend to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely at the time you apply for a dividend.
To qualify for the 2023 PFD, you will need to be able to answer “yes” to all of the following statements:
- I was a resident of Alaska during all of calendar year 2022.
- On the date I apply for the 2023 Permanent Fund Dividend, I have the intent to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely.
- I have not claimed residency in any other state or country or obtained a benefit as a result of a claim of residency in another state or country at any time since December 31, 2021.
- I was not:
- Sentenced as a result of a felony conviction during 2022;
- Incarcerated at any time during 2022 as the result of a felony conviction; or
- Incarcerated at any time during 2022 as the result of a misdemeanor conviction in Alaska if convicted of a prior felony or two or more prior misdemeanors since January 1, 1997.
- If absent from Alaska for more than 180 days, I was absent on an allowable absence; and
- I was physically present in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours at some time during 2021 or 2022.
You can learn more about the eligibility requirements for the PFD here.
Division cannot determine eligibility without a completed application.
How to Get the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend
It’s great that Alaska residents are able to get money for living in the state. However, this money is not simply just given out once you are living there. You have to apply for the dividend every year.
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The application period is January 1 through March 31 every year.
So, the application period is January 1 through March 31 of the year for which you are applying. Applications filed after March 31 will be denied by law as late applications.
There are some exceptions to the deadline. Some exceptions are If you are disabled, filing for a person who died during the application period, or a military member who was receiving hostile fire or imminent danger pay during the application period. You can contact the program for more information about these exceptions.
You can file online or by submitting a paper application.
You will be required to submit an original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate, and other required information as requested from the PFD Division after it receives your application.
If you don’t have a certified birth certificate, then you can go to vitalchek.com to get more information about ordering one. It does not accept a photocopy or hospital certificate.
Why Do Alaska Residents Get Paid?
So, why exactly do you get paid to live in Alaska?
Most things in life are expensive. We’re so used to parting with cash that it almost seems odd when we are actually offered cash!
The annual dividend is paid to Alaska residents from investment earnings of mineral royalties.
According to the PFD Division, “The annual payment allows for Alaskans to share in a portion of the State minerals revenue in the form of a dividend to benefit current and future generations.”
Closing Thoughts
Alaska is a beautiful state with so much to offer. And, you can get paid to live there! If you are an Alaska resident, you could get $1,000s in free cash each and every year. Yes, you have to apply for the dividend each year, but it’s free cash! So, if you live in Alaska, make sure that you apply for the dividend. Even kids can get the dividend!
If you don’t live in Alaska, but are considering moving there, knowing that you do get paid to live in Alaska might give you that extra motivation to finally move to the Last frontier!
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