Salman J. Choudhury
New York, September 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that nearly 8.2 million households across New York State will soon begin receiving long-awaited “inflation refund checks.” The initiative aims to ease the financial burden of rising costs for working- and middle-class families.
Who Will Receive the Checks
Eligible taxpayers are those who filed a 2023 state income tax return and were not claimed as a dependent by someone else. No separate application is required — checks will be mailed automatically to qualifying households.
How Much Will It Be?
The refund amount depends on income and filing status:
• Single filer, income ≤ $75,000: $200
• Single filer, income $75,001–$150,000: $150
• Married filing jointly, income ≤ $150,000: $400
• Married filing jointly, income $150,001–$300,000: $300
When Will Checks Arrive?
Distribution will begin in late September and continue throughout October and November. Delivery will not follow a strict ZIP code order — some households may receive their checks earlier than others.
Key Features
• Refund checks will not be reduced by state debts or outstanding balances.
• The program is designed as direct relief and requires no further action from taxpayers.
Mixed Reactions
Many residents have welcomed the move, especially families struggling with inflation and rising everyday expenses. However, some economists warn the program could put additional strain on the state budget in the long run.
Governor Hochul emphasized: “This is money that belongs to taxpayers — we’re simply putting it back into their pockets.”
