Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday announced that New York state’s first-ever inflation refund checks up to $400 are now being sent to 8.2 million households statewide.

Checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers, with deliveries to continue throughout October and November. There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check. Governor Hochul secured and enacted this initiative as part of her ongoing commitment to putting money back in the pockets of New Yorkers.

Earlier this year, the governor also secured and enacted initiatives to cut taxes for the middle class to their lowest levels in 70 years, expand New York’s Child Tax Credit to up to $1,000 per child and ensure universal free school meals to save families around $1,600 per child.

“Starting today, we’re sending inflation refund checks to over 8 million New Yorkers because it’s simple — this is your money and we’re putting it back in your pockets,” Hochul said. “I’ll never stop fighting to help your family address the rising cost of living — and that’s why I also delivered on my promise to cut taxes for the middle class, expand the child tax credit and ensure free school meals for every student.”

Inflation has driven the costs of everyday necessities higher and as a result, the state’s revenue from the collection of sales tax has also increased. Hochul believes that money belongs to hardworking families and should be put back in their pockets as an inflation refund — and that’s why 8.2 million households statewide will receive a check this fall.

During a time when costs are high due to inflation, smaller expenses can be a hardship on families across the United States. The latest reports from the Federal Reserve show that approximately 37% of adults across the nation would have to borrow money or sell personal belongings to pay a $400 emergency expense using cash or its equivalent. The inflation refund checks can offer hardworking New Yorkers a cushion for smaller expenses, providing them with a sense of relief for unexpected repairs or emergencies.

Residents are eligible for an inflation refund check if, for tax year 2023, they filed Form IT-201, New York State Resident Income Tax Return; reported income within the qualifying thresholds below; and were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.

Joint tax filers with income up to $150,000 will receive a $400 check.

Joint tax filers with income over $150,000 but no greater than $300,000 will receive a $300 check.

Single tax filers with income up to $75,000 will receive a $200 check.

Single tax filers with incomes over $75,000 but no greater than $150,000 will receive a $150 check.

There are no age restrictions. Filers do not need to do anything to receive an inflation refund check. If you filed a tax return, are below the income thresholds, and no one else claimed you as a dependent, you will receive a check.

Additional information from the New York State Tax Department can be seen at ny.gov/inflationrefund.