Inflation and rising costs of living have led to inflation-related rebate checks of up to $400 being sent to 8.2 million households across New York State, with the goal of targeting families struggling to make ends meet. Recipients don’t need to do anything; paper checks will be mailed to 2023 tax-filing addresses, with limited direct deposits. Checks will be sent beginning in October and continuing through November.
The inflation-adjusted refund checks vary in amount
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will launch mailings in mid-October 2025 and continue through November due to the volume of mailings (more than 8 million checks). The inflation-adjusted refund checks vary in amount depending on the individual income of each applicant. The maximum financial aid amount will be determined based on annual income ranges.
On the other hand, to apply for or qualify for this refund, certain criteria must be met. First, you must have filed Form IT-201, Income Tax Return for New York State Residents; you must have filed a tax return within the qualifying limits; and you must not have been claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
Kathy Hochul: “This is their money and we’re putting it back in their pockets”
In Governor Kathy Hochul’s official statement, she says: “Starting in October, more than 8 million New Yorkers will receive an inflation rebate because it’s simple: this is their money and we’re putting it back in their pockets.” The Governor pushed for this initiative in the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget as part of her ongoing commitment to returning money to New Yorkers. “I will never stop fighting to help their families cope with the rising cost of living, and that’s why I also kept my promise to cut taxes for the middle class, expand the Child Tax Credit, and guarantee free school meals for all students,” Hochul said.
Regarding the latter, citizens will notice the comprehensive reform of the New York Child Tax Credit. Initially introduced by Hochul last January, this expanded program now serves 1.6 million households across the state, reaching nearly 3 million children.
No formalities are required to receive these checks
Some state leaders have applauded the Governor’s initiative. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., for example, said, “For families in New York City and across New York State living on the brink of poverty, having a little extra money to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table is crucial, especially in an economy plunged into chaos by Donald Trump and his tariffs.”
As we mentioned earlier, no formalities are required to receive these checks, as long as the above requirements are met, and there are no age restrictions for eligibility.
The distribution will be as follows:
Joint tax filers with incomes up to $150,000 will receive a $400 check.
Joint tax filers with incomes over $150,000 but not exceeding $300,000 will receive a $300 check.
Joint tax filers with incomes up to $75,000 will receive a $200 check.
Single taxpayers with incomes over $75,000 but not exceeding $150,000 will receive a $150 check.
Finally, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Steward-Cousins emphasized: “Our budget is a statement of values and priorities. While Washington advocates for tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and mega-corporations at the expense of millions of working Americans, in New York we continue to champion the well-being of the middle class.”
For any questions, always consult official State sources.
