NEW YORK — Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced that inflation refund checks up to $400 will be sent this fall to 8.2 million households across New York State.
According to a press release from the governor’s office, checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers starting in October and will continue through November. There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check. Governor Hochul secured and enacted this initiative in the FY 2026 State Budget as part of her ongoing commitment to putting money back in the pockets of New Yorkers.
The state budget also enacted Hochul’s initiatives to cut taxes for the middle class to their lowest levels in 70 years, expand New York’s Child Tax Credit to up to $1,000 per child, and ensure universal free school meals to save families around $1,600 per child.
“Starting in October, over 8 million New Yorkers will get an inflation refund because it’s simple — this is your money and we’re putting it back in your pockets,” Hochul said in the release. “I’ll never stop fighting to help your family address the rising cost of living — and that’s why I also delivered on my promise to cut taxes for the middle class, expand the child tax credit and ensure free school meals for every student.”
Inflation has driven the costs of everyday necessities higher and as a result, the State’s revenue from the collection of sales tax has also increased. Governor Hochul believes that money belongs to hardworking New York families and should be put back in their pockets as an inflation refund — and that’s why 8.2 million households statewide will receive a check this fall.
New Yorkers can visit ny.gov/inflationrefund for more information on eligibility and other details.
Who’s Eligible for an Inflation Refund Check?
You are eligible for an inflation refund check if, for tax year 2023, you:
• Filed Form IT-201, New York State Resident Income Tax Return;
• Reported income within the qualifying thresholds below; and
• Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
Joint tax filers with income up to $150,000 will receive a $400 check.
Joint tax filers with income over $150,000 but no greater than $300,000 will receive a $300 check.
Single tax filers with income up to $75,000 will receive a $200 check.
Single tax filers with incomes over $75,000 but no greater than $150,000 will receive a $150 check.
There are no age restrictions. Filers do not need to do anything to receive an inflation refund check. If you filed a tax return, are below the income thresholds, and no one else claimed you as a dependent, you will receive a check.
When Will Checks Be Delivered?
Checks will be mailed across the state starting in October, and deliveries will continue through November.
Your check may arrive earlier or later than your neighbors, as mailings will not be based on zip code or region.
Additional information from the New York State Tax Department can be seen at ny.gov/inflationrefund.
Regional Breakdown
Inflation refund checks will be sent this fall to 8.2 million households throughout all corners of New York State. A breakdown of the number of checks going to each region can be seen below.
Region; Number of Recipients
New York City; 3.53 million
Long Island; 1.25 million
Mid-Hudson; 924,000
Western New York; 585,000
Finger Lakes; 513,000
Capital Region; 475,000
Central New York; 321,000
Southern Tier; 251,000
Mohawk Valley; 198,000
North Country; 156,000
TOTAL; 8.2 million
