Residents in One State Have Days Left to Apply for $1,312 Payment

Alaska residents are running out of time to apply for a $1,312 check, courtesy of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend program.

The payments are based on the state’s mineral revenues for the year, and state residents will be able to get the extra cash as long as they apply before March 31.

“This deadline can be a very important one, especially for those Alaskans financially struggling,” Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. “The Permanent Fund was established nearly 50 years ago to capture royalties from the state’s oil and gas production, and residents were eventually able to earn dividends paid by the fund.”

The qualifying factors for the rebate are pretty simple: All residents who plan to stay in the state and are not convicted felons generally can get the payment.

But keep in mind, just because you received the rebate in the past does not mean you’ll automatically get another payment. Everyone has to apply again each year.

Applications opened at the beginning of the year, but Alaskans have only three months to make sure their payment arrives this year. The state has historically sent out checks starting in October and throughout the year until all residents receive their payments.

In 2023, the Alaska Department of Revenue said the Permanent Fund Dividend injected about $1 billion into the state economy via direct payments.

For this year, the state said it has already received more than 565,000 applications.

“If you live in Alaska and meet the few requirements, it’s money you deserve,” Beene said. “Just make sure you’ve completed all paperwork before the deadline.”

Other Payments Available

Alaska isn’t the only state offering its residents a little something extra.

In Connecticut, renters can earn $900 through the Renters’ Rebate Program. Applications opens April 1 and will remain available until October 1.

However, not all renters meet the eligibility criteria. Specifically, it’s meant for the elderly or “totally disabled” renters who make less than a certain income level. Couples who qualify can earn $900, while single renters could take in an additional $700 to help them make rent costs. The exact amount depends on specific income, rent and utility payments.

Meanwhile, homeowners in North Dakota could score a $500 property tax credit.

“Getting the rebate is a terrific opportunity for North Dakota homeowners to reduce their tax liability and save money,” Laura Adams, senior real estate analyst at AceableAgent, told Newsweek. “However, they must act quickly to apply before the deadline.”

The tax program was approved last year for residents, no matter their age or income level.