• Governor Kathy Hochul Confirms Inflation Refund Checks
  • One-Time Payments to Ease Cost of Living
  • Checks Arriving by Mail Through November

The state of New York has begun mailing inflation refund checks, a measure included in the 2025–2026 state budget aimed at helping families cope with high prices.

The one-time payments — up to $400 per household — will be sent by mail throughout November, benefiting an estimated 8.2 million eligible households across the state.

Who Qualifies for the Inflation Refund in New York

To qualify, residents must meet the following criteria:

  • Filed the IT-201 tax form in 2023.
  • Met the state income thresholds for eligibility.
  • Were not claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return.

The refund checks amounts vary depending on filing status:

  • $200 for single filers.
  • $400 for married couples filing jointly or surviving spouses.
  • $150 to $300 in other cases.

How the Refund Checks Will Be Distributed

The inflation refund checks will be sent automatically by mail, with no application required.

Residents can contact 518-457-5149 (option 2 for Spanish) to verify eligibility or ask questions about the program.

Governor Hochul explained that the initiative aims to ease the burden of inflation and provide targeted relief to middle- and low-income households:

  • Beneficiaries: 8.2 million eligible households.
  • Distribution: Mailed automatically, no registration needed.
  • Goal: Support families impacted by rising living costs.

More Benefits Included in the State Budget

The state budget also includes additional relief measures, such as:

  • Middle-class tax reductions — lowering rates to their lowest levels in 70 years.
  • Child tax credits of up to $1,000 per child.
  • Universal free school meals, offering families potential savings of up to $1,600 per child annually.

These initiatives complement the New York inflation refund checks program, reinforcing the state’s broader effort to strengthen household financial stability amid persistent inflation pressures.