Gov. Kathy Hochul announces inflation refund checks will be sent this fall to 8.2 million households across New York.

By Michael Mashburn From Daily Voice

New York has officially mailed more than 8.2 million inflation refund checks worth up to $400 each, delivering what Gov. Kathy Hochul called the state’s largest direct relief program in history.

Hochul announced Tuesday, Nov. 25, that the main phase of the Inflation Refund Check program is complete, with millions of eligible households already receiving payments.

The initiative was approved as part of the FY 2026 State Budget and provides $2.2 billion in unrestricted financial aid to taxpayers who have seen costs rise due to inflation.

Hochul said the checks put “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,” she said.

The one-time payments—issued automatically to qualifying taxpayers—began going out in late September, as Daily Voice reported. While most checks have now been mailed, state officials said small batches will continue to be issued as the Department of Taxation and Finance confirms additional eligibility.

Eligibility is based on 2023 tax filings. Those who filed a New York resident return, met income thresholds, and were not claimed as dependents automatically qualified.

According to prior state guidance, joint filers earning up to $150,000 receive $400, while single filers earning up to $75,000 receive $200. Reduced amounts go to households at higher income levels within the program’s limits.

The mailing schedule is not tied to ZIP codes or regions, meaning neighbors may receive checks at different times, the governor’s office said. Payments are sent to the most recent address on file with the tax department, typically from the taxpayer’s latest filed return.

State officials also released a regional breakdown of total benefits, including:

  • Long Island: 1,251,000 beneficiaries receiving $316.4 million
  • Mid-Hudson: 924,000 beneficiaries receiving $234.2 million
  • Capital Region: 475,000 beneficiaries receiving $122.8 million

More information, including eligibility details and FAQs, is available on the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website.