Governor Hochul Announces Inflation Refund Checks Are Now Being Sent to 8.2 Million New York Households

Starting Today, Checks up to $400 Are Being Mailed to Eligible New Yorkers, With No Need To Apply or Sign Up

New York's First-Ever Inflation Refund Checks Are Part of Governor's Ongoing Efforts To Put More Money in New Yorkers' Pockets

Governor Cut Taxes for the Middle Class, Expanded Child Tax Credit and Secured Universal Free School Meals

Visit ny.gov/inflationrefundfor More Information

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State's first-ever inflation refund checks up to $400 are now being sent to 8.2 million households statewide. Starting today, checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers, with deliveries to continue throughout October and November. There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check. Governor Hochul secured and enacted this initiative as part of her ongoing commitment to putting money back in the pockets of New Yorkers. Earlier this year, the Governor also secured and enacted 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 today, we're sending inflation refund checks to over 8 million New Yorkers because it's simple - this is your money and we're putting it back in your pockets," Governor Hochul said."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.

During a time when costs are high due to inflation and the Trump Administration's tariff policies, smaller expenses can be a hardship on families across the United States. The latest reports from the Federal Reserveshow that approximately 37 percent of adults across the nation would have to borrow money or sell personal belongings to pay a $400 emergency expense using cash or its equivalent. The inflation refund checks can offer hardworking New Yorkers a cushion for smaller expenses, providing them with a sense of relief for unexpected repairs or emergencies.

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 today and deliveries will continue throughout October and 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.

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said,"Thanks to Governor Hochul and our strong partnership with the Assembly, we're delivering meaningful relief to New Yorkers at a time when they need it most. As families continue to feel the strain of rising costs, these inflation refund checks of up to $400 for over 8 million households will put money directly back into their pockets. This is what it looks like when we put working people first and use our budget to reflect the values of fairness, equity, and economic support for those who need it most."

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said,"As we continue to witness unprecedented inflationary pressures across the nation, the skyrocketing cost of living has presented a significant challenge for individuals and families, compelling many to make difficult choices between essential items like food on the table or a roof over their head. The Assembly Majority was proud to support these inflation refund checks to put money back in the pockets of hard working New Yorkers. Putting New York's families first will always be our top priority and we will continue to work to make our state more affordable."

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.

State Senator Kevin Parker said,"I want to thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and unwavering commitment to working families across New York. With so many households struggling to make ends meet, these inflation refund checks will provide meaningful relief and help ease the burden of rising costs. By putting money directly back into the pockets of millions of New Yorkers, Governor Hochul has shown that our state can step up and deliver real solutions that strengthen families and communities."

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said,"In these tough times, putting money back into the hands of hardworking New Yorkers is exactly what our state needs. The inflation refund checks offer relief without bureaucracy, aiding families in managing increasing everyday expenses while also supporting local businesses throughout New York. This is practical, focused assistance that reflects the principles of fiscal responsibility and shared prosperity I've advocated for in the Senate. I appreciate Governor Hochul's efforts in helping New Yorkers with this financial assistance."

State Senator James Sanders Jr. said,"Given the uncertainty of the current state and national economies, my constituents of Southeast Queens could use a break. The inflation refund checks up to $400 are welcome news, which is why I supported this initiative in the State Fiscal Year 2025-26 State Enacted Budget."

State Senator Leroy Comrie said,"In Southeast Queens and across our state, families are stretching every dollar to cover groceries, rent, child care and rising energy costs. This refund respects people's time, it arrives by mail with no application and it will help parents and seniors meet the basics as the cost of living continues to climb. It is not a cure-all, but it is meaningful, targeted help that, alongside recent tax relief, expanded child tax credits and universal free school meals, moves New York in the right direction. I look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and my colleagues to lower costs, strengthen consumer protections and keep our communities affordable."

State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said,"Inflation and the rising prices of everyday essential items have impacted all New Yorkers. The refund check issued by Governor Hochul is a meaningful way to return hard-earned money to the people who need it most. Delivering refunds to over eight million households will make a difference for families to purchase necessities and is one step toward addressing the issue of affordability for New Yorkers."

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said,"I'm pleased that with Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership, many New Yorkers will receive an inflation refund check this October and November. In light of increasing food, utility, and housing costs, additional dollars are a welcome sight for so many of my constituents. In addition, the federal budget cuts that Congress enacted will hurt thousands of New York's Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefit recipients. Fortunately, New York's leaders already know that people are hurting, and these checks will hopefully help reduce that hurt this fall."

State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda said,"I applaud Governor Kathy Hochul's commitment to easing the financial burden on our hardworking families. This inflation relief payment of up to $400 is a direct and necessary support for millions of New Yorkers facing high living costs. I'm proud to support this initiative that puts money where it's needed most, in the pockets of those who sustain our communities. This measure represents a concrete step toward a more equitable economic recovery across the state, especially in communities like the Bronx, where many families have been disproportionately impacted by inflation. I reaffirm my commitment to working alongside Governor Hochul to continue advancing policies that promote economic justice and strengthen the well-being of all New Yorkers."

State Senator Jessica Ramos said,"I'm grateful to Governor Hochul for putting working families first with this inflation relief. Every dollar makes a difference right now, and this refund will help parents and neighbors stretch their budgets a little further. Together, we must keep building on this commitment to make New York more affordable for everyone."

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said,"These inflation refund checks are a way to put money directly back in the hands of our community members and ease financial burdens for our households. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her efforts to make life more affordable for New Yorkers across our great state."

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said,"Making life more affordable is a top priority, and these inflation refund checks are a direct way to put money back into the pockets of millions of New Yorkers, giving families the flexibility to save or spend in the way that works best for them. We'll keep fighting for the financial relief New Yorkers deserve, and I thank Governor Hochul for her partnership in this effort."

State Senator Sean M. Ryan said,"With families across the nation feeling the strain of inflation and higher costs due to federal tariffs, every dollar makes a difference. That's why we remain focused on lowering costs for New Yorkers. These rebate checks are putting money back in the pockets of hardworking families at a time when they need it most."

State Senator April Baskin said,"At a time when so many people across our state are dealing with financial hardship, whether it's buying groceries, paying a utility bill, or managing the burden of escalating medical costs, I thank Governor Hochul for securing this initiative and providing residents with some financial relief. I understand what it is like to oversee a single income household on a fixed income where every dollar counts. With these rebate checks, Governor Hochul proves again how she makes working families a priority."

State Senator Patricia Fahy said,"While this federal government continues to slash and burn when it comes to funding essential programs that support working people, New York will continue to step up for them. These checks will give New Yorkers a bit of breathing room, but we know that there's more work ahead to ensure that more relief reaches our working families amidst an onslaught of attacks from Washington."

State Senator Sam Sutton said,"Families in Southern Brooklyn feel the strain of rising grocery bills, housing costs, and utilities every single day. These tax cuts and refund will provide real, immediate relief to thousands of households in our district. I applaud Governor Hochul for putting money back where it belongs - in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers."

Assemblymember William Colton said,"It's not often that government returns tax revenue to its constituents, but that is precisely what is happening, beginning today, thanks to the Inflation Refund Checks that New York State is beginning to mail to over eight million households across the state whose income levels fall beneath a certain limit. This money comes at a particularly opportune time, with costs continuing to rise on a wide swath of necessities, from foodstuffs to insurance, and the holiday season right around the corner."

Assemblymember Charles Lavine said,"At a time when the cost of living is high and our state faces crippling federal cuts, I applaud Governor Hochul for listening to the plight of so many families and helping put money back into the pockets of middle-class New Yorkers by providing much needed inflation relief to residents."

Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson said,"The inflation refund checks are putting money where it belongs - back into the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers. I am grateful for the partnership of Governor Hochul and my state legislative colleagues, we are able to bring some financial relief to millions of households across our state and continue our work to make New York more affordable for the middle class."

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III said,"Affordability is top of mind for many people and this inflation refund check program recognizes that there are efforts we can take to support our working families. Combined with other affordability initiatives advanced by the Governor, our New York State Legislature supported this program and others in the State Budget to alleviate the pressure that our residents are feeling due to inflation and actions undertaken at the federal government level. I will continue to work with my colleagues and Governor Hochul to support New Yorkers and continue to address the challenges faced in these uncertain times."

Assemblymember Steve Otis said,"The top priority of this year's state budget was lowering costs to New Yorkers through a variety of programs to reduce costs to families through tax cuts, inflation reduction checks, the Empire Child Care Tax credit, and other funding to support child care. The budget also reduced the property tax burden on New Yorkers by providing a $1.7 billion increase in education aid, improved funding to local governments, and $500 million in clean water funding, which primarily reduces costs to municipalities. The Inflation Refund checks help buffer costs to New York families in these increasingly uncertain economic times. Governor Hochul and the Legislature made reducing costs to New York families the highest focus of the 2025-26 state budget. It is great news that the refunds are now on the way."

Assemblymember Nily Rozic said,"With costs rising on everything from groceries to gas, New Yorkers deserve relief. These inflation refund checks will put money back where it belongs - in the pockets of hardworking families and seniors. Thank you to Governor Hochul for delivering this essential support at a time when every dollar counts."

Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara said,"At a time when families are working harder than ever to keep up with rising costs, this refund offers welcome relief. I supported this effort because it ensures that tax dollars are being returned to the people who need them most. By delivering these checks directly to households, we're providing practical support that families will feel right away - and I'll continue working to build on it with long-term solutions that make life more affordable for all."