Governor Kathy Hochul has officially announced a new round of inflation relief payments for New Yorkers, with checks of up to $400 set to be mailed to approximately 8.2 million households across the state. The payments, part of the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget, are aimed at offsetting the rising cost of living and will be distributed between October and November. No application is required—eligible residents will receive the checks automatically by mail.
Who Qualifies for the $400 Inflation Checks?
The New York State Department of Taxation will oversee the disbursement. Residents who filed Form IT-201 for the 2023 tax year, were not claimed as dependents, and fall within specific income brackets will qualify for the payment.
Here’s a breakdown of eligibility and payment amounts:
- Married couples earning up to $150,000: $400
- Married couples earning $150,001–$300,000: $300
- Single filers earning up to $75,000: $200
- Single filers earning $75,001–$150,000: $150
Where Are the Payments Going?
While the delivery dates are not tied to ZIP codes or counties, officials provided a regional estimate of how many households will benefit:
- New York City: 3.53 million
- Long Island: 1.25 million
- Mid-Hudson: 924,000
- Western New York: 585,000
- Finger Lakes: 513,000
- Capital Region: 475,000
- Downtown New York: 321,000
- Southern Tier: 251,000
- Mohawk Valley: 198,000
- Northern Country: 156,000
Additional Relief Measures
This direct payment program is one of several economic initiatives included in the new budget. Others include:
- Middle-class tax cuts
- Expansion of the New York Child Tax Credit to $1,000 per child
- Universal free school meals for all students
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of returning money to families, stating:
“Starting in October, more than 8 million New Yorkers will receive an inflation rebate because it’s simple: this is your money, and we’re putting it back in your pockets.”
Officials advise residents to monitor their mail in the fall and visit the New York Department of Taxation and Finance website for additional updates as the payment dates approach.