From October, around 8.2 million families in New York will begin getting relief money from the government to help them manage rising costs. These cash payments will range from $150 to $400 and will be sent automatically, meaning people do not need to fill out any form or take any action. This plan is part of the state’s new budget to help middle-class families affected by inflation.
Let’s take a closer look at who qualifies, how much they will receive, and when the money will arrive.
What Is the New York Inflation Refund?
The inflation refund is a special one-time payment being given by New York State under Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 budget plan. It is designed to support middle-class families who are struggling due to the increasing prices of food, rent, and other daily needs.
This refund is funded from the extra tax money collected last year as a result of rising prices. The payments are expected to help ease the 6.4% increase in the cost of living in New York recorded during 2023.
How Much Will You Get?
The amount of money each household will get depends on the income they reported in 2023. Here’s how it breaks down:
If you filed jointly:
- Income up to $150,000: You get $400
- Income up to $300,000: You get $300
If you filed individually:
- Income up to $75,000: You get $200
- Income up to $150,000: You get $150
Note: Dependents (children or other people listed on someone else’s return) will not receive any payment.
Do You Need to Apply?
No, you don’t need to apply or fill out any forms. If you are eligible, the New York Department of Revenue will check your 2023 tax return (Form IT-201) and automatically send your check to the address you listed there. No online registration, postal application, or special request is needed.
Payments will be made only through checks — there is no option for direct bank transfer. This includes senior citizens and those who don’t file taxes online. Everyone will receive a physical cheque.
When Will the Checks Be Sent?
The checks will start going out in early October and continue through mid-November. The deliveries will be spread over 8 weeks. There is no region-based priority, so people from all areas will receive the money based on mailing schedules.
If you don’t get your refund by November 30, you should reach out to the New York Department of Revenue.
You can also track updates and distribution status on the official website: ny.gov/inflationrefund.
Where Are Most Checks Going?
The distribution is based on population. Here’s how the numbers look:
- New York City: 3.53 million people (43% of all checks)
- Long Island: 1.25 million people
- Mid-Hudson Region: 924,000 people
- North Country: 156,000 people
- Mohawk Valley: 198,000 people
Other areas will receive fewer checks based on their population sizes.
New York’s inflation refund is a welcome move for millions of residents trying to manage the high cost of living. With no paperwork or application needed, eligible people just need to wait for their check in the mail.
This simple and direct payment process is aimed at easing financial pressure, especially as costs for basic needs like housing and food have gone up sharply. If you’re living in New York and filed your taxes correctly in 2023, keep an eye on your mailbox this October and November.
