Governor Kathy Hochul’s state government will begin sending inflation rebate checks to 8.2 million eligible households starting in October. The amounts will range from $150 to $400, depending on reported 2023 income. No application is required: payments will be distributed automatically by mail through November.
The initiative, championed by New York Governor Hochul, is part of the fiscal 2026 budget. The goal is to alleviate the impact of rising prices on middle-class families. At the same time, state taxes were reduced to levels not seen in seven decades and the child tax credit was expanded.
The first inflation refund checks to arrive very soon
To receive the refund, taxpayers must have filed Form IT-201 and meet the following income limits:
- $150,000 for joint returns ($400 refund)
- $300,000 for higher incomes ($300 rebate)
- $75,000 for individual returns ($200 refund)
- $150,000 for singles ($150 refund)
- Dependents are not eligible for this refund.
The initiative’s official website, ny.gov/inflationrefund, offers details on eligibility and timelines. Officials confirmed that taxpayers will not need to complete any additional paperwork. The funds come from the surplus tax revenues raised due to rising inflation.
The Department of Revenue will automatically verify the data on 2023 tax returns. Those eligible will receive the payment at their registered address. There will be no postal code adjustments; shipments will be staggered over eight weeks, with no regional priority.
“This is your money,” Hochul reiterated during the announcement. The measure seeks to partially offset the 6.4% increase in housing and food costs recorded in the state during 2023, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Regional Distribution: Where and When Will the $400 Stimulus Payments Arrive?
New York City will account for 43% of beneficiaries (3.53 million), followed by Long Island (1.25 million) and Mid-Hudson (924,000). Regions such as the North Country (156,000) and Mohawk Valley (198,000) will have lower coverage, in line with their population density.
The first checks will arrive in early October, with mass mailings continuing through mid-November. Delays may occur due to errors in mailing addresses. Those who do not receive their payment by November 30 should contact the Department of Revenue.
The official website will update the distribution status weekly. Unlike federal programs, there is no direct deposit option. Seniors and people without electronic filing will receive physical checks, no exceptions. The total disbursement to be distributed among New York households will be approximately $2.5 billion.
