ALBANY, NY (September 26, 2025) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that New York State’s first-ever inflation refund checks, worth up to $400, are now being mailed to 8.2 million households across the state. The initiative, which requires no application or sign-up, aims to ease the financial burden of rising costs, with deliveries continuing through October and November.
“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,” Hochul said. “I’ll never stop fighting to help your family address the rising cost of living.”
The refund checks are part of Hochul’s broader efforts to support New Yorkers facing inflationary pressures. Earlier this year, she secured tax cuts for the middle class, reducing rates to their lowest in 70 years, expanded the Child Tax Credit to up to $1,000 per child, and implemented universal free school meals, saving families approximately $1,600 per child annually.
Eligibility for the refund checks is based on 2023 tax filings. Joint filers with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $400, while those with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000 will get $300. Single filers earning up to $75,000 are eligible for $200, and those with incomes between $75,000 and $150,000 will receive $150. Recipients must have filed a 2023 New York State Resident Income Tax Return (Form IT-201) and not been claimed as a dependent.
Hochul noted that inflation has driven up the cost of necessities, increasing state sales tax revenue. “That money belongs to hardworking New York families and should be put back in their pockets as an inflation refund,” she said.
The Federal Reserve reports that 37% of U.S. adults would need to borrow or sell belongings to cover a $400 emergency expense. These checks aim to provide a cushion for such unexpected costs.
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins praised the initiative, saying, “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.”
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie added, “The skyrocketing cost of living has presented a significant challenge for individuals and families. The Assembly Majority was proud to support these inflation refund checks to put money back in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers.”
The checks will reach households across all regions, with 3.53 million going to New York City, 1.25 million to Long Island, 924,000 to the Mid-Hudson region, 585,000 to Western New York, 513,000 to the Finger Lakes, 475,000 to the Capital Region, 321,000 to Central New York, 251,000 to the Southern Tier, 198,000 to the Mohawk Valley, and 156,000 to the North Country.
State Senator Kevin Parker thanked Hochul for her leadership, stating, “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.”
Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar emphasized the initiative’s impact, saying, “Inflation is eroding paychecks and making essentials unaffordable — groceries, gas, rent, and utilities are up, while wages lag. This money goes straight back into households, helping millions of New Yorkers cover basics.”
For more details, visit ny.gov/inflationrefund.
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This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
