If you’re a New York homeowner, don’t ignore your mailbox or bank account this week—because thousands of residents across the state are receiving STAR checks worth anywhere from $290 to $1,500, and it’s all part of a long-running but often-overlooked property tax relief program. The payments began going out July 1, and for many households, the cash couldn’t come at a better time.
This is not a federal stimulus check—it’s a New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR) benefit, issued annually to eligible homeowners who meet certain income and residency requirements. And in 2025, both the Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR versions are delivering real money straight to the people who need it.
What Is the STAR Program?
The STAR program was created to help New Yorkers lower the property tax burden on their primary residence. The benefit is either:
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Delivered as a check or direct deposit, or
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Given as a credit on your property tax bill, depending on your registration type and county.
There are two types of STAR benefits:
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Basic STAR – For most homeowners with income up to $500,000
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Enhanced STAR – For seniors aged 65 and older with household income under $107,300
If you’re eligible and registered, your check may already be on its way.
How Much Money Are People Getting?
The amount of your STAR benefit depends on where you live and whether you qualify for Basic or Enhanced STAR.
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Basic STAR payments typically range from $290 to $600
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Enhanced STAR payments can go as high as $1,500, with most recipients getting $650–$1,000
The exact amount is based on local property tax rates and school district levies—so homeowners in higher-tax areas may see larger rebates.
Who’s Eligible?
To qualify for a July 2025 STAR check, you must have:
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Owned and lived in your home as your primary residence
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Filed for STAR by the March 15, 2025 deadline
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Had income under $500,000 (for Basic STAR)
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Or been 65+ with income under $107,300 (for Enhanced STAR)
If you’ve received a STAR check in previous years, your benefits are usually automatically renewed unless your income or eligibility status changed.
When Are Payments Arriving?
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Checks started going out July 1
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Most will arrive by mid-July, depending on the municipality and processing speed
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Some towns may distribute payments as late as August or September, particularly in upstate regions
You can track your STAR payment schedule through the NY Department of Taxation and Finance’s STAR Credit Delivery Schedule or call 518‑457‑2036 for details.
What You Should Do Next
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Check your mailbox or bank account if you think you’re eligible
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Visit the NY STAR portal
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If you didn’t apply this year, prepare to file when enrollment reopens September 15, 2025, for 2026 benefits
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Don’t assume you’re enrolled—first-time buyers and new seniors need to apply
Final Takeaway
New York may not have a flashy “stimulus check” program like the federal government, but for homeowners and seniors, the STAR benefit delivers real cash every year—without much fanfare. With payments landing this July, it’s a smart time to double-check your eligibility and take advantage of a program that’s quietly putting hundreds—or even thousands—back in New Yorkers’ pockets.
