$400 stimulus checks in New York State: who qualifies for the inflation refund checks

$400 Stimulus Checks in New York: Who gets an inflation refund

Big news for New Yorkers! The 2025–2026 state budget includes the first-ever inflation refund checks. These one-time payments are designed to help residents cope with rising prices and the extra sales taxes that come with inflation. If you qualify, you don’t need to lift a finger — the check will arrive automatically in the mail.

Who qualifies for the check?

To receive an inflation refund check, you must have filed a 2023 New York State Resident Income Tax Return (Form IT-201). You also need to meet income limits and cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.

Here’s a quick guide by filing status and income:

• Single:
  
  • $75,000 or less → $200
    
  • $75,001–$150,000 → $150
    
• Married Filing Joint:
  
  • $150,000 or less → $400
    
  • $150,001–$300,000 → $300
    
• Married Filing Separate:
  
  • $75,000 or less → $200
    
  • $75,001–$150,000 → $150
    
• Head of Household:
  
  • $75,000 or less → $200
    
  • $75,001–$150,000 → $150
    
• Qualified Surviving Spouse:
  
  • $150,000 or less → $400
    
  • $150,001–$300,000 → $300
    

So whether you’re single, married, or a surviving spouse, there’s a chance for a little extra cash in your mailbox.

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When will the checks arrive?

The state will start mailing checks in mid-October 2025, and over 8 million New Yorkers are expected to receive them. Because of the huge number of checks, they will be sent out over several weeks.

Don’t be surprised if your neighbour gets their check before you—the mailing order isn’t based on zip code or region. The state cannot provide a specific delivery schedule, and the Contact Centre won’t have extra details about individual checks.

Keep an eye out for your check in the mail — it will come from the New York State Tax Department and look official.

Do You Need to Apply?

Nope! These checks are automatic for qualifying taxpayers. You won’t need to fill out extra forms or submit another application.

Where will the check be sent?

Checks will be mailed to the address on your 2023 tax return. If you’ve moved since then, make sure your address is updated with the Tax Department to avoid delays.

For people who normally get tax refunds directly deposited into a bank account, this inflation refund is mailed as a paper check only — it won’t be automatically deposited.

Special cases

• Didn’t file a 2023 New York return? You probably won’t get a check unless you were a part-year resident with New York income.
  
• Applied your 2023 tax refund to an outstanding debt? Don’t worry — the inflation refund check will not be applied to old debts.