New York State Sends Over 1.6 Million Inflation Refund Checks Totaling $388 Million

New York State has initiated a $2 billion inflation refund program to help residents cope with rising living costs, funded by surplus state revenue and aimed at offsetting inflation impacts on essentials like housing, groceries, and utilities. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the initiative, which will send automatic checks to eligible taxpayers based on their 2023 tax filings, with amounts ranging from $150 to $400 depending on income and filing status. Approximately 8.2 million households are expected to benefit, with checks mailed starting in September 2025 and continuing into October and November. Residents do not need to apply or take any action to receive the payments, which are mailed directly by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Officials have cautioned recipients to be wary of scams attempting to obtain personal financial information related to these checks. The program reflects a direct redistribution of surplus funds to support middle- and lower-income New Yorkers facing inflation pressures.