New York Government Is Mailing Out Inflation Checks: Here's What You Need To Know

NEW YORK CITY — Rent too damn high? Eggs too damn expensive? There may be a little relief on the way.

New York State is mailing out "inflation refund" checks to New Yorkers later this year, as part of the $254 billion state budget lawmakers passed on May 9.

The inflation refunds will be in the form of a check, mailed directly to your house, if you're one of the 8.2 million tax filers in New York, officials say.

The checks will be up to $400, depending on eligibility, and cost the state $2 billion, officials said.

"The cost of living is still too damn high, so I promised to put more money in your pockets — and we got it done," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "Putting money back in the pockets of millions of families means helping New Yorkers afford the rising costs of groceries, raising kids, and just enjoying life."

Who is eligible?

People who were New York residents and filed a state income tax return in 2023 are eligible, depending on how much they made that year. People who were claimed as dependents for that year aren't eligible, officials said.

Note: You probably filed your 2023 taxes in April 2024, so to find out if you're eligible, check your documents for that tax season.

How much will the checks be?

It depends on how much you made and whether you filed as an individual or with a partner.

Individuals who made a state-adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less would be eligible for a $200 check, and individuals with a state-adjusted gross income of up to $150,000 would be eligible for a $150 check.

Joint filers with a state-adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less will get $400, and joint filers with a state-adjusted gross income of between $150,000 and $300,000 would be eligible for $300.

To find how much your state-adjusted gross income is, look for line 33 on your main Resident Income Tax Return.

When am I getting my check?

Toward the end of 2025, according to officials. More details about the rollout will be announced later this year, Hochul said.

What will you spend it on? Let Patch know: email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.