New York State has mailed over 8.2 million inflation refund checks to residents across the state, according to Governor Kathy Hochul.
The Inflation Refund Check program was created as part of the FY 2026 State Budget, which set aside $2.2 billion to help New Yorkers cope with rising living costs. Over the past two months, eligible taxpayers have been receiving checks of up to $400.
Why It Matters
This refund is one piece of a broader effort by the governor’s administration to tackle the state’s affordability crisis. Other measures include middle-class tax cuts, an expansion of the Child Tax Credit, and providing free school meals.
Who Qualifies and How Much They Get
Eligibility for the inflation refund is based on 2023 New York State tax returns. To receive a check, residents must:
- Have filed a 2023 state tax return, and
- Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
Those who filed their 2023 taxes late may still receive a payment once their returns are processed. The amount you receive depends on your income, with more support targeted toward low- and middle-income taxpayers.
Here’s how the payments break down:
- Single filers earning up to $75,000 in 2023 receive $200.
- Single filers earning more than $75,000 but not more than $150,000 receive $150.
- Joint filers, including qualifying surviving spouses, receive the highest amounts:
- $400 for couples earning $150,000 or less.
- $300 for couples earning more than $150,000 but not more than $300,000.
How the Money Is Distributed Across the State
Every region of New York has received funds so far. In total, more than 8.21 million residents have received just over $2 billion in inflation refund checks.
Some of the regional breakdowns include:
- New York City: 3,536,000 people received checks totaling $828.8 million.
- Mid-Hudson: 924,000 recipients received $234.2 million.
- Long Island: 1,251,000 people received $316.4 million.
- Western New York: 585,000 beneficiaries received $152.7 million.
- Capital Region: 475,000 recipients received $122.8 million.
- Southern Tier: 251,000 residents received $66.7 million.
- North Country: 156,000 residents received $42.4 million.
Where Is My Inflation Check?
If you qualify, you do not need to apply or fill out any extra forms—the state automatically mails checks to eligible taxpayers.
Most payments have already been sent, but smaller batches will continue to go out in the coming weeks as additional taxpayers are confirmed to qualify.
Checks are mailed to the home address the state has on file for you.
“Inflation refund checks will be mailed to the most current address that the Department has on file for you, usually the address from your most recently filed tax return,” the state’s Tax Department explained. “Although eligibility is based on your 2023 tax return, the Department will mail your check to the most recently updated address. For example, if you moved after you filed your 2023 return, but you filed your 2024 return with your new address, your check will be mailed to the address utilized on the more recent 2024 tax return.”
Officials have also warned residents about scams related to these payments. The Tax Department has made clear that it is not contacting taxpayers by phone, text, or email to discuss the inflation refund checks. You do not need to provide any additional information to receive your payment.
What Officials Are Saying
In a press release issued on November 25, Governor Kathy Hochul said:
“Today marks the day that over 8.2 million inflation refund checks have been mailed out, putting money back into the pockets of individuals across the state. We followed through on our commitment to deliver meaningful relief to hard-working New Yorkers, and will continue, every day, to look for additional opportunities to deal with the nation’s ongoing affordability challenge.”
What Happens Next
According to Hochul’s office, “checks will continue to be mailed in small numbers in the weeks ahead as the State Tax Department determines that additional taxpayers are eligible.”
