Starting October 2025, millions of residents in New York State will receive a welcome financial boost. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the state government will issue inflation rebate checks of up to $400 as part of its plan to help families deal with the rising cost of living.
These payments are part of the State Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026. Around 8.2 million households will receive these checks by mail between October and November 2025, and the best part—you don’t have to do anything to apply. If you qualify, the check will be sent automatically.
Who Will Receive the $400 Inflation Checks?
The payments are targeted at taxpayers who meet certain income and filing conditions. The eligibility is based on tax returns filed in 2023 using Form IT-201 with the New York State Department of Taxation.
There are no age restrictions. As long as you meet the income requirements and were not claimed as someone else’s dependent on a tax return, you’re eligible.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the payment amounts:
For Married Couples Filing Jointly:
- Income up to $150,000: Will receive $400
- Income between $150,001 – $300,000: Will receive $300
For Single Filers:
- Income up to $75,000: Will receive $200
- Income between $75,001 – $150,000: Will receive $150
Which Regions in New York Will Receive the Payments?
The checks will be spread across different areas of the state. Here’s how the numbers break down:
- New York City – 3.53 million households
- Long Island – 1.25 million
- Mid-Hudson – 924,000
- Western New York – 585,000
- Finger Lakes – 513,000
- Capital Region – 475,000
- Downtown New York – 321,000
- Southern Tier – 251,000
- Mohawk Valley – 198,000
- Northern Country – 156,000
Please note: there is no fixed delivery order based on location. Some people in the same area might receive their checks on different days due to processing times.
What Should You Do to Get the Check?
Nothing! That’s right—no need to apply. If you filed your taxes and meet the income and filing rules, your check will be sent automatically by mail between October and November 2025.
Make sure your mailing address on file is up to date, especially if you have recently moved. This will help avoid delays.
Other Support Programs for New York Residents
Along with this inflation rebate, the New York government has also approved other benefits:
- Middle-class tax cuts
- Expansion of the New York Child Tax Credit to $1,000 per child
- Guaranteed free school meals for all students
These new benefits were added to the state budget after talks with lawmakers. They are meant to give extra support to low- and middle-income families struggling with inflation.
What the Governor Said
Governor Kathy Hochul said:
“Starting in October, more than 8 million New Yorkers will receive an inflation rebate because it’s simple: this is your money, and we’re putting it back in your pockets.”
She also added that more such helpful programs will be introduced in the future.