Voters pass a constitutional amendment to establish the Permanent Fund (Alaska
Constitution, Article IX, Section 15).
1980
First Permanent Fund dividend legislation enacted. The legislation established
a program giving every adult Alaska resident $50 for every year of residency
since statehood in 1959 and also established a Dividend Fund. Payment of
dividends were stayed under litigation (Zobel v Williams) challenging the
constitutionality of the program.
1982
U.S Supreme Court ruled the 1980 legislation unconstitutional. In response to
the litigation, the legislature passed legislation authorizing equal dividend
payments to all six-month residents. The first dividend amount was $1,000. The
first dividend checks were distributed June 14, 1982.
1983
Residency period defined as 6 months ending March 31. Filing due date
established as June 30.
1985
Hold-harmless program funding for public assistance recipients changed from
General Fund to Permanent Fund Dividend Fund.
1988
January 1988 - Permanent Fund Dividend Division established. Positions with PFD
responsibilities in Administrative Services (20), Enforcement (23), and Public
Services (14) transferred to the new division. Enforcement and Public Services
divisions eliminated.
1989
Legislature changed residency period from 6 months to 24 months. Individuals
banned from assigning dividends (except to government agencies) by regulation.
Felons not eligible for dividends. Physical presence requirement established.
1990
Superior Court ruled 24-month residency requirement unconstitutional and
changed the residency requirement to 12 months (Lindly v Malone). Disclosure
requirements established to print program costs on dividend checks.
1991
Check-off program for Advance College Tuition started. Percent of dividend
subject to levy for private judgments increased from 50% to 55%. Fairbanks
office closed in September 1991 (2 positions). One position each transferred to
Anchorage and Juneau office. First receipt cards mailed.
1992
Individuals banned from assigning dividends (except to government agencies) by
statute. Review Unit moved from Anchorage to Juneau.
1993
Direct-deposit program for full dividends established. Residency period changed
to calendar year. Voter registration forms included with dividend application.
1994
Filing due date changed to March 31. Longevity Bonus Annuity check-off program
began. Legislature authorizes the division to charge fee for processing claims
and assignnments on dividends
1995
Longevity Bonus Annuity check-off program repealed.
1996
Misdemeanants with two prior crimes not eligible for dividends.
1997
Fairbanks office re-opened February 1997 (2 positions).
1998
Internet program implemented to allow applicants to check their status online.
All allowable absences defined in statutes (statutory provision for
commissioner to define absences by regulation repealed). Spouses accompanying
eligible residents authorized as allowable absence. Authority to file for
estates (persons who die during filing period) established. Physical presence
changed to 72 hours every two years (effective for 2000 dividend). Percent of
dividend subject to levy for private judgment increased from 55% to 80%.
1999
On-line application implemented, but applicants required to print and sign full
application. Direct-deposit program expanded to include partial dividends.
Document Processing Unit night shift (17 positions) eliminated. Emergency
regulations detailing alien eligibility adopted.
2000
Imaging system and new data entry system implemented January 2000. First year
that applications imaged. Improved on-line Internet application implemented
March 2000 (applicants required to sign signature page only). Fairbanks office
moved to Cushman Street location September 1.
2001
Review and Appeals units consolidated into the Dividend Enforcement, Review and
Appeals Unit. Alaska Supreme Court rules that immigrant aliens who form intent
to remain in Alaska qualify for dividends.
2002
Receipt letter replaces application receipt card. Department of Health and
Social Services files applications electronically. Final year securities
companies participated in the direct deposit program. Misdemeanants with one
prior felony or two prior misdemeanors not eligible for dividend.
2003
Online applications exceed 100,000 (155,226). Electronic signature for online
applications implemented March 20, 2003. All review cases worked by year-end.
Fraud Investigations moved from Anchorage to Juneau.
2004
Receipt letters eliminated. Online application expanded to cover full
application and supplemental schedule. Tri-fold direct deposit advice
implemented. Selective Service registration part of the application.
2005
Online applications exceed 200,000 (211,464) and electronically signed
applications exceed 100,000 (129,822). Time period for applicants to respond to
requests for information changed to 30 days.
2007
Over 2/3 of Alaskans apply online (420,596) and electronically signed applications
exceed 275,000 (276,203).
