(The Center Square) — Millions of New Yorkers will get “inflation reduction” checks this fall from the state as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s efforts to offset the impact of higher prices for food, gas and other necessities.
Hochul announced Friday that the state will begin distributing $2 billion in direct payments to more than 8.2 million households statewide, with checks hitting the mail starting this week out through November to eligible taxpayers.
“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.”
Hochul said funding for the plan comes from excess sales tax collections, which she said have exceeded historical averages.
New Yorkers who recently filed tax returns will be eligible for the payment, the Hochul administration said. There is no need to apply for the rebates, officials said. Taxpayers who are single, head of household, or married filing separately will be eligible if their income is no greater than $300,000.
Under the plan, joint tax filers with income of up to $150,000 will get a $400 check; while those with income between $150,000 and $300,000 will get a $300 check, according to the Hochul administration
Single tax filers with income up to $75,000 will get a $200 check; while those with income between $75,000 and $150,000 will get a $150 check, the Hochul administration said.
A breakdown provided by the state shows that about 3.5 million people in New York City are eligible for the refunds; well, about 1.2 million people in Long Island will be getting checks. The number of receipts in other counties ranges from 150,000 to 1 million, according to the administration.
The funding was approved as part of a $254 billion state budget signed by Hochul in May after months of behind the scenes negotiations with Democratic legislative leaders. Hochul, a Democrat seeking reelection next year, pitched the inflation reduction rebates in January in her “state of the state” speech to lawmakers.
New York leaders say the rebates amid the lingering pinch of high inflation that they argue has been exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported goods.
“As we continue to witness unprecedented inflationary pressures across the nation, the skyrocketing cost of living has presented a significant challenge for individuals and families, compelling many to make difficult choices between essential items like food on the table or a roof over their head,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said in a statement. “Putting New York’s families first will always be our top priority and we will continue to work to make our state more affordable.”
