By now you’ve probably already heard the news that 8.2 million households across New York State will receive $2 billion worth of direct cash assistance via stimulus checks. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the inflation stimulus checks back in December 2024, and they were approved at the tail end of this past April.
The checks are part of the Fiscal Year 2026 New York State Budget, and are acting as a way to ease the increasing financial burden inflation is placing on residents. Hochul stated:
Over 8 million New Yorkers will get an inflation refund because it’s simple — this is your money and we’re putting it back in your pockets. I’ll never stop fighting to help your family address the rising cost of living.
Surplus revenue generated by sales tax, which are driven by generally rising prices, will fund these checks, with Hochul making it clear that new New York taxes will not be instated in order to make these stimulus checks possible. Additionally, Hochul stated that there will be no increases in state income or business taxes during the next fiscal year, being the approved check amount is actually less than what was first proposed.
And while we’re on the topic of how much money New Yorkers will receive via these stimulus checks, here’s what you need to know:
Who is eligible for the inflation stimulus check?
Before you make plans for what you’ll spend your money on, you’ll first want to make sure you’re one of the millions of New Yorkers who qualify for the refund. Thankfully, it’s not too hard to figure it out. To qualify for an inflation refund check you must have done the following for tax year 2023:
- Filed Form IT-201, New York State Resident Income Tax Return
- Met the state’s income limits for your filing status
- Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return
If you meet the above requirements you’ll receive your payment automatically, with no additional steps required (so no need to apply, sign up, or do anything to receive a check). New Yorkers can visit the Department of Taxation and Finance’s website for more information on eligibility and other details.
How much money will I receive via the inflation stimulus check?
Under the proposal, qualifying residents will receive payment amounts as follows:
- Joint tax filers with income up to $150,000/year: one-time stimulus payment of $400
- Joint tax filers with income over $150,000/year but no greater than $300,000: one-time stimulus payment of $300
- Single tax filers with income up to $75,000/year: one-time stimulus payment of $200
- Single tax filers with incomes over $75,000/year but no greater than $150,000: one-time stimulus payment of $150
Checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers starting in October and will continue through November 2025. Keep in mind that mailings will not be based on zip code or region, so your check may arrive earlier or later than your neighbors.
In addition to the stimulus checks, the Fiscal Year 2026 New York State Budget will also cut taxes for the middle class to their lowest levels in 70 years, expand New York’s Child Tax Credit to up to $1,000 per child, and ensure universal free school meals to save families around $1,600 per child.