Alaska residents only need to wait a bit longer before they receive their direct payments meant to help with the rising costs of everyday items.
The approved direct checks will give state residents a payment of up to $3,284, thanks to a provision in Alaska’s annual budget passed by the state legislature earlier this year along with the annual dividend distribution from the Permanent Fund Dividend, according to the state. The checks will be distributed starting on Sept. 20 for those who applied for direct deposit payments and the week of Oct. 3 for those who requested paper checks.
“This budget is more than a spending plan; it’s a blueprint for Alaska’s future,” Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in a press release. “Budgets should reflect the values and ambitions of the people they are designed for, and I believe this legislation accomplishes that.”
SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENT 2022: DIRECT MONTHLY CHECK WORTH UP TO $3,345 TO BE SENT OUT TOMORROW
Most Alaska residents receive a yearly dividend funded through the state’s oil-wealth fund, with payments typically being distributed in the early fall. This year, however, those payments will be paired with a one-time energy relief payment that is intended to help residents with high energy costs that have sharply increased over the last several months.
The Alaska state Senate initially approved a $5,500 payout, but that measure failed in the state House in May. Lawmakers then entered into negotiations, ultimately bringing the payment down to around $3,200, and it was approved by Dunleavy as part of the state’s annual budget.
The Department of Revenue is filtering through over 78,000 applications to determine how many residents are eligible for the benefits, officials said. Once that is complete, the checks will be distributed.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The payments to residents will be the largest in the state’s history, Dunleavy wrote on social media on Thursday.
Largest PFD in state history — Alaska’s fair share. $3,284 per eligible Alaskan. pic.twitter.com/ZRZyfOuixP
— Governor Mike Dunleavy (@GovDunleavy) September 8, 2022
