8 Million Inflation Refund Checks Sent Out Ahead of Thanksgiving

Governor Hochul secured the Inflation Refund Check initiative in the FY 2026 state budget, setting aside $2.2 billion to help New Yorkers manage rising expenses. Over the past two months, checks of up to $400 have been sent to eligible taxpayers.

Why It's Important
This measure is one of several initiatives by the Governor aimed at addressing the state's affordability crisis. These include middle-class tax cuts, an expansion of the child tax credit, and free school meals.

What to Know
Eligibility for the refund is tied to the 2023 state tax return. Residents must have filed their taxes for that year and cannot be listed as a dependent on someone else's return. Those who file late can also qualify after their returns are processed. Payments also vary by income, with the aim of providing more assistance to low- and moderate-income individuals.

In 2023, single filers earning up to $75,000 will receive $200. Anyone filing alone who earned more than $75,000, but not more than $150,000, will receive $150. Joint filers—including qualifying surviving spouses—will receive the largest amounts: $400 for couples earning $150,000 or less, and $300 for those earning more than $150,000, but not more than $300,000.

Every New York region received funds, with over 8.21 million people receiving a little over $2 billion. New York City received the largest share: 3,536,000 people received checks totaling $828.8 million.

Millions of people also received checks in other areas, including the Mid-Hudson region, where 924,000 people received checks totaling $234.2 million, and Long Island, where 1,251,000 people received $316.4 million. In Western New York, 585,000 beneficiaries received $152.7 million, while in the Capital Region, 475,000 recipients received $122.8 million. In the Southern Tier, $66.7 million was distributed among 251,000 people, and in the North Country, $42.4 million was distributed among 156,000 people.

Where is my inflation check?
If you qualify for a payment, you don't need to do anything; the state will automatically send you a check. Although most people have already received it, officials say smaller batches will be sent in the coming weeks as more people are confirmed to qualify.

Checks are automatically sent to your registered home address.

"Inflation refund checks will be sent to your most recent address on file with the department," the State Tax Department said. "Although eligibility is based on your 2023 tax return, the department will mail your check to the most recently updated address. For example, if you moved after filing your 2023 return but filed your 2024 return at your new address, your check will be mailed to the address used on your most recent 2024 tax return."

New York has also issued a warning about inflation check scams. The tax department said it is not contacting taxpayers about refund checks. No additional information or application is required to receive your payment.

What People Are Saying
Governor Kathy Hochul said in a press release issued on November 25: "Today marks the day more than 8.2 million inflation refund checks have been mailed, putting money back in the pockets of people across the state. We have kept our promise to provide good relief to hardworking New Yorkers, and we continue to find more opportunities every day to address the nation's ongoing affordability challenge."

What's Next?
Hochul's office said, "Checks will continue to be mailed in smaller numbers in the coming weeks as the State Tax Department determines whether more taxpayers are eligible."