The application period for the 2013 Alaska Permanent Fund dividend opens at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1. Eligible Alaskans can file online at www.pfd.state.ak.us or by filling out paperwork available at distribution offices statewide through March 31.
To be eligible, a person must have resided in Alaska during all of the previous calendar year, not been convicted of or incarcerated for a felony and not have been out of the state for more than 180 days (except for certain allowable absences). More eligibility information is on the website.
The dividend will be deposited directly to accounts of those who have signed up for direct deposit in early October. Checks will be sent out to those receiving their money by mail during the same month.
Last year's dividend check was $878.
As they have since 2007, filers will be able to assign a portion of their check to any of several nonprofit groups through the Pick, Click, Give program. In 2012, 23,000 Alaskans gave $2.2 million dollars to 400 such groups using this process. Recipients include organizations that feed and house the homeless, as well as educational, arts, health and animal welfare groups.
A list of nonprofits participating in this year's program can be found at pickclickgive.org.
As part of the application process to receive contributions, organizations pay $250 each to cover administrative costs. The application period for nonprofits wishing to participate in the 2014 Pick, Click, Give program will take place in February and March.
By MIKE DUNHAM