That’s right—this fall, the state of New York is launching a major refund program aimed at offsetting the rising cost of living. As inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a new plan to issue one-time relief checks to more than 8 million residents across the state. The checks, worth up to $400, will be mailed out automatically based on your 2023 tax return.
No Application Required—It’s Automatic
If you filed a New York State resident income tax return for 2023 (Form IT-201), and meet the income requirements, you’re likely already on the list. According to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, there’s no application process. The agency will use the data from your tax return to determine your eligibility and send the check to your last known address on file.
This means as long as your information is up to date and your income qualifies, you’ll receive the payment without having to do anything extra.
Who Qualifies for the $400 Inflation Rebate?
Eligibility is tied to income and filing status. Here’s a quick breakdown of who will get what:
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Married Filing Jointly or Qualifying Widow(er):
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Income up to $150,000: $400
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Income between $150,001 and $300,000: $300
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Single, Head of Household, or Married Filing Separately:
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Income up to $75,000: $200
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Income between $75,001 and $150,000: $150
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If your income exceeds those brackets, you likely won’t receive a check.
Also, you must not have been claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return to be eligible.
When and How Will Payments Be Sent?
Checks will begin going out in mid-October 2025 and will continue to be mailed over several weeks. It’s important to note that these are paper checks only—there will be no direct deposit option.
So, don’t expect the money to hit your bank account. Instead, keep an eye on your mailbox, and make sure your address with the state tax department is current.
If you don’t receive your check by the end of November 2025, you should:
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Double-check that you filed a 2023 New York resident tax return.
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Confirm that your income qualifies under the thresholds listed above.
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Make sure your address on file is correct.
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Contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance if needed.
Why Is the State Sending Out These Checks?
The state says the goal is to help New Yorkers recover from the cumulative impacts of inflation, especially higher prices on groceries, gas, and basic household goods. These checks are being referred to as “inflation relief payments”, and they come in response to increased state sales tax revenues caused by higher consumer prices.
Governor Hochul emphasized that this effort is part of a broader plan to support middle- and low-income residents struggling to keep up with everyday expenses.
Final Thoughts
If you filed your taxes in New York and meet the income limits, your $400 (or $200, $300, or $150 depending on your status) check should be on the way starting in October. There’s nothing you need to do—no forms, no waiting lists, no portals to navigate.
This automatic payment could make a meaningful difference for many families heading into the fall season, especially as costs continue to climb. Stay alert, check your mail, and make sure your tax records and mailing address are accurate—because this is one piece of mail you definitely want to receive.
