During 2025, the STAR program will provide more than $2.2 billion in tax relief to nearly three million homeowners across the state.
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the second phase of the STAR program, which will provide up to $1,500 in tax breaks to New York homeowners. Checks and direct deposits continue to arrive this autumn.
If you own a home and live in an area where school taxes are due in August or September, you should monitor your mail or bank account.
Who qualifies for New York’s second phase of stimulus payments?
The second phase of this program is for those who live in communities where school taxes are due in August or September. If you own property and live in one of these areas, you may receive your payment in the coming weeks.
The amounts vary according to eligibility:
$350 to $600 for standard owners.
$700 to $1,500 for seniors who qualify for Enhanced STAR.
According to Governor Kathy Hochul, distribution has already begun, and residents can expect to receive their stimulus payments in the coming weeks of July and August 2025.
In addition, if you received a payment in phase one, you will not receive a second payment at this stage because each household is only eligible for one payment per tax season.
Why is the New York stimulus payment important?
During her announcement, Governor Hochul emphasized that this program comes at a time when working-class families are facing financial uncertainty, exacerbated by cutback decisions by the federal Congress. Kathy Hochul commented:
My administration is putting money back in the pockets of families with check deliveries and credits that continue to reach hundreds of thousands of homeowners across the state
Kathy Hochul
Local leaders such as Senator April Baskin supported the measure, emphasizing its importance, particularly for seniors and communities in western New York, where the program will benefit over 320,000 people.
What if I haven’t applied for the New York stimulus payment yet?
If you are a homeowner in New York and have not yet enrolled in the STAR program, you may still be eligible. You simply need to meet specific requirements, such as:
Own a main home.
Meet the income limits according to the type of STAR (basic or enhanced).
Keep up with your taxes and records.
You can find more details and start the registration process at ny.gov/STAR.
The STAR program in New York
The STAR program exemplifies how state policies can directly benefit residents. In a state like New York, where the cost of living is high, an extra $600 or even $1,500 during the summer can make a significant difference for many families.
If you are one of those eligible, keep an eye on your mail and bank account in the coming weeks. This payment is not a loan and does not require repayment; it is your money returned.
