New York State begins distributing refund checks to alleviate the burden of inflation. The measure was announced by Kathy Hochul as a way to help low-income families cope with the rising cost of living. Stimulus checks are generally sent on a need-based basis and are distributed on a one-time basis when authorities identify a specific economic crisis. Thus, the first checks will be distributed throughout October.
Important: those whose income was within the established limits, and those who were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return
Not all families are eligible to receive these checks. According to the Department of Taxation and Finance, those eligible are those who filed a New York tax return in 2023 (Form IT-201), those whose income was within the established limits, and those who were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
Hocul: “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”
These types of aids differ from established social support programs because they are not typically recurring payments that recipients can expect to receive. “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,” Governor Hochul said. These payments are the first of their kind and aim to provide one-time relief to New Yorkers who have had to pay an increase in sales tax due to inflation. A problem that is not uncommon in other states.
Applications for these checks opened on October 1 for those who meet the requirements
According to estimates, more than 8 million New Yorkers in total will receive this payment automatically, without any additional paperwork. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the opening of applications for the state stimulus initiative. Applications for these checks opened on October 1 for those who meet the requirements. In addition to those mentioned above, the check can be requested by people over 60 years of age; households with a disabled person; families with children under five; and households facing power outages or low propane supply.
As part of the 2025-2026 New York State budget, residents can request an inflation-adjusted rebate check of up to $400
Regarding the established amounts, singles with incomes up to $75,000 will receive $200; married couples filing jointly with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $400; heads of household or separate filings with incomes up to $75,000 will receive $200; qualifying surviving couples with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $400. As part of the 2025-2026 New York State budget, residents can request an inflation-adjusted rebate check of up to $400.
The state initiative is part of the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
For middle-income earners, the distribution will be as follows: singles between $75,001 and $150,000: $150; married couples earning a joint income between $150,001 and $300,000: $300; heads of household between $75,001 and $150,000: $150; and qualifying surviving partners earning up to $300,000: $300. The state initiative is part of the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is then administered and distributed by individual states.
It’s important to note that each state has its own regulations. In Illinois, your household’s gross income for 30 days must be less than 60% of the state median income. Renters may also be eligible to receive payments, as long as their rental expenses represent more than 30% of their household income. Taxpayers can also request a refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through the Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax Credit. Regarding refund timing, the administration reports that New York checks will begin shipping in the fall of 2025, primarily between October and November of this year.
