Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State has mailed out 8.2 million Inflation Refund Checks, delivering up to $400 in direct, unrestricted financial relief to eligible residents as part of the FY 2026 State Budget and the state’s first-ever program of this kind. The initiative provides $2.2 billion in support to more than 8.2 million New Yorkers across all regions, including New York City, Long Island, Western New York, the Capital Region, and more, with the main phase of mailing completed and additional checks still going out as more taxpayers are deemed eligible. Framed as a cornerstone of Hochul’s broader Affordability Agenda, the program complements historic middle-class tax cuts, an expanded Child Tax Credit of up to $1,000 per child, and universal free school meals that can save families around $1,600 per child, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to easing the ongoing affordability challenges facing New Yorkers.
Governor Hochul Announces More Than 8 Million Inflation Refund Checks Have Been Mailed Out in Time for Thanksgiving Holiday
With Over 8.2 Million Inflation Refund Checks Out the Door, Governor Fulfills Her Commitment to Putting More Money in New Yorkers’ Pockets
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 8.2 million checks have now been mailed to eligible New Yorkers under the state’s first-ever Inflation Refund Check program.
“Today marks the day that over 8.2 million inflation refund checks have been mailed out, putting money back into the pockets of individuals across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “We followed through on our commitment to deliver meaningful relief to hard-working New Yorkers, and will continue, every day, to look for additional opportunities to deal with the nation’s ongoing affordability challenge.”
Governor Hochul secured the Inflation Refund Check initiative in the FY 2026 State Budget. It’s the largest program of its kind in state history — providing $2.2 billion in direct, unrestricted financial aid to more than 8.2 million New Yorkers.
Over the last two months, inflation refund checks of up to $400 have been mailed to those who meet eligibility criteria. The main phase of large-scale check mailing is now complete. However, checks will continue to be mailed in small numbers in the weeks ahead as the State Tax Department determines that additional taxpayers are eligible.
Here’s a breakout of the number of checks and amounts going to each region of the state:
| Inflation Rebate Check – Enacted Budget | Beneficiaries | Total Benefit ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| Western NY | 585,000 | 152.7 |
| Finger Lakes | 513,000 | 134.3 |
| Southern Tier | 251,000 | 66.7 |
| Central New York | 321,000 | 83.8 |
| Mohawk Valley | 198,000 | 52.4 |
| North Country | 156,000 | 42.4 |
| Capital Region | 475,000 | 122.8 |
| Mid-Hudson | 924,000 | 234.2 |
| New York City | 3,536,000 | 828.8 |
| Long Island | 1,251,000 | 316.4 |
| All | 8,210,000 | 2,035 |
Inflation Refund Checks are a key element of the Governor’s Affordability Agenda. Other elements include:
- Cutting taxes for the middle class to their lowest levels in 70 years;
- Expanding New York’s Child Tax Credit to up to $1,000 per child, and;
- Ensuring universal free school meals to save families around $1,600 per child.
Find additional information on the Governor’s Affordability Agenda.
Find additional information on Inflation Refund Checks.
November 25, 2025
Albany, NY
Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Midtown Tribune
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