New York State is preparing to distribute inflation rebate checks in late 2025 as part of a fiscal relief measure included in Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2025-2026 budget. Here’s what you should know.
The initiative is funded by additional tax revenue generated by higher sales tax collections in response to rising prices, and the program is intended to alleviate the financial burden on residents facing ongoing cost-of-living increases.
The rebate payments will be automatic for eligible residents, with no separate application required, as eligibility will be determined by the Department of Taxation and Finance using information from the 2023 New York State income tax return (Form IT-201).
Payments will be mailed as paper checks to the address on the tax return beginning in mid-October 2025 and continuing through November of this year, providing a significant boost ahead of winter.
More than 8.2 million New Yorkers are expected to receive rebates ranging from $150 to $400, depending on their filing status and reported New York Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
How to qualify for the New York inflation rebate check
To be eligible for New York’s inflation rebate check, residents must satisfy three key requirements:
First, they must have filed a 2023 New York State income tax return using Form IT-201 as a state resident.
Second, their New York Adjusted Gross Income (NY AGI) must be within the limits specified for their filing status.
Third, they must not be listed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return in 2023.
There are no age restrictions, so the rebate is available to all qualifying residents, regardless of their age.
The rebate amount is determined by both the filing status and the reported New York AGI. The payment breakdown is as follows.
Single filers with a New York Adjusted Gross Income (NY AGI) of $75,000 or less will receive a $200 rebate, while those with an NY AGI between $75,001 and $150,000 are eligible for $150.
Married couples filing jointly can receive $400 if their NY AGI is $150,000 or less, and $300 if their income falls between $150,001 and $300,000.
For those married filing separately, the rebate is $200 for an NY AGI of $75,000 or less, and $150 for income between $75,001 and $150,000. Heads of household qualify for $200 if their NY AGI is $75,000 or less, and $150 if it falls between $75,001 and $150,000.
Finally, qualifying surviving spouses are eligible for $400 if their NY AGI is $150,000 or less, and $300 if their income ranges from $150,001 to $300,000.
Distribution will be statewide, with New York City receiving the largest share of 3.53 million checks, followed by Long Island (1.25 million) and Mid-Hudson (924,000).
Other regions, such as Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Capital Region, will also experience significant distributions.
Residents who have relocated should update their addresses at ny.gov/inflationrefund to ensure prompt delivery.
