Starting this fall, millions of families will receive unexpected relief in Virginia and New York. This is a one-time payment of up to $400 that will be sent automatically, with no paperwork or applications required. Individual states are still releasing their own refunds to their residents as part of their policies to return excess funds to residents once the tax season concludes. These payments come at a time when citizens across the country are grappling with rising costs of living, new tariffs, and inflation.
Sending stimulus checks to eligible recipients not only helps people cope with impending expenses
Starting in October, this economic relief will arrive by mail to eligible households. Typically, one-time refunds, also known as stimulus checks, are distributed during periods of slow economic downturn and low spending. Sending stimulus checks to eligible recipients not only helps people cope with impending expenses, but also helps prevent a recession by encouraging recipients to spend money and spurring economic activity.
“Folks, there’s no reason to raise taxes on Virginians. We have surplus after surplus,” declared Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin at the 2025 budget presentation. If you’re a Virginia resident, you’ll soon see changes in your bank balance, as we previously reported.
If the citizen meets the requirements, the benefit will be sent automatically
All payments will be sent by physical mail, not by direct deposit. If the citizen meets the requirements, the benefit will be sent automatically, without the need to submit any additional applications. Authorities have confirmed that there will be no online registration or special forms. If the interested person is already in the system and qualifies, they do not need to complete any paperwork.
This check is part of an inflation-related refund approved in the fiscal year 2026 budget. The goal is clear: to return money to low- and middle-income families who have overpaid all year. According to Governor Kathy Hochul, more than 8.2 million households will receive this aid. As she said in her official announcement: “This is your money, and we’re putting it back in your pockets.”
You cannot already be claimed as a dependent on another return
On one hand, to qualify for this New York state-specific initiative, you must meet the following criteria: File Form IT-201 for 2023 (New York State Resident Income Tax Return); your 2023 income must fall below a certain threshold, depending on your filing status; you cannot already be claimed as a dependent on another return.
The rebates are intended for Virginians who have a state income tax liability to pay for the year 2024. Individuals can receive up to $200 worth of rebates, while married couples filing jointly can receive up to $400. Therefore, the amounts to be paid will be under the following circumstances:
$400 for couples earning up to $150,000 per year
$300 if they earn between $150,001 and $300,000
$200 for singles with incomes up to $75,000
$150 for incomes between $75,001 and $150,000
The cost of living has risen in the US, and families are feeling the effects, especially those with low incomes
As we’ve mentioned before, the cost of living has risen in the United States, and families are feeling the effects, especially those with low incomes, who are finding themselves spending more at the supermarket for the same amount of food. The price increases have been particularly noticeable for food, energy, and rent—everything is more expensive.
For all these reasons, the state government has decided to take action, as this is not the only reform implemented to guarantee a minimum income for those most in need. It’s worth noting that New York recently approved the installation of air conditioning units for low-income families. The governor stated that with the rise in temperatures, the goal is to help people with respiratory and heart problems make their summer days more bearable without putting their health at risk.
