New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers have reached a tentative agreement to issue so-called “inflation refund” checks to millions of residents, offering direct payments of up to $400 later this year as part of the state’s $254 billion budget plan.
Roughly 8.2 million tax filers are expected to qualify for the relief payments, which will cost the state approximately $2 billion, according to the Division of the Budget.
The measure is being framed as a way to help residents cope with the continued effects of inflation and the high cost of living across the state.
“This is targeted relief for middle- and working-class New Yorkers who need a little extra help,” a spokesperson for the budget division told Gothamist.
While final legislative text has yet to be made public, budget officials have outlined the eligibility criteria and payment structure expected to be included in the final plan, which lawmakers are scheduled to begin voting on later this week.
How to qualify
To qualify for the checks, residents must have filed a New York State income tax return for the 2023 tax year and have a state adjusted gross income (AGI) of $150,000 or less for individuals, or $300,000 or less for joint filers.
Those who earned more than those thresholds or were claimed as dependents are not eligible.
The size of the check will vary depending on income and filing status.
Individual filers earning $75,000 or less will receive $200, while those earning between $75,000.01 and $150,000 will receive $150.
Joint filers with an AGI below $150,000 will receive $400; couples earning between $150,000.01 and $300,000 will get $300.
What to do to receive an ‘inflation refund’ check
Eligible recipients will not need to take any action to receive the payment.
The state Department of Taxation and Finance will automatically issue checks using data from 2023 tax returns already on file.
“The process is entirely automatic,” the spokesperson told Gothamist. “There’s no need to apply or submit additional forms — if you’re eligible, you’ll get a check in the mail.”
Officials say they are relying on 2023 tax data because it represents the most complete and up-to-date financial information available.
Although Tax Day for 2024 was April 15, many filers received extensions, meaning the current year’s tax data remains incomplete.
When people can expect to receive their check
The state has not yet announced a specific timeline for when the payments will be mailed out, but a spokesperson for the Department of Taxation and Finance said the checks are likely to be sent in the fall.
The proposed inflation relief payments come amid broader budget negotiations that have been delayed for weeks.
While the refund plan has drawn praise from some lawmakers and advocacy groups, others have questioned whether a one-time check will do much to address deeper economic challenges in the state.
Still, for millions of New Yorkers, the extra cash could offer some welcome relief.
“This is money people can use to buy groceries, pay utility bills, or just get through the week,” the budget division spokesperson said.
