Did You Get Your Inflation Refund Check Yet? See How to Qualify
By Steve Levine
Updated: October 24, 2025
What Are New York Inflation Relief Checks
New York is mailing one time inflation relief checks to eligible taxpayers to help offset higher living costs. The largest payments are $400. Most eligible households should see delivery in October 2025.Who Is Eligible for the New York Inflation Relief Check
The New York Inflation Relief Checks were automatically sent to taxpayers who filed a 2021 New York State income tax return and qualified for specific 2022 tax relief programs. You did not need to apply or submit a separate form.Eligibility Details: You may have qualified if you received one or more of the following credits on your 2021 return:
• Empire State Child Credit
• Earned Income Credit (EIC)
• Property Tax Relief Credit
Checks were mailed using the address listed on your 2021 state tax filing. If you did not file a 2021 New York State tax return or were not eligible for these credits, you likely will not receive an inflation relief payment.
Who Qualifies and How Much You Will Get
Eligibility is based on your Adjusted Gross Income and filing status.| Filing Status | 2023 Adjusted Gross Income | Refund Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 or less | $200 |
| Single | $75,001 to $150,000 | $150 |
| Married filing jointly | $150,000 or less | $400 |
| Married filing jointly | $150,001 to $300,000 | $300 |
| Head of household | $75,000 or less | $200 |
| Head of household | $75,001 to $150,000 | $150 |
| Qualifying surviving spouse | $150,000 or less | $400 |
| Qualifying surviving spouse | $150,001 to $300,000 | $300 |
Do You Need to Apply
No. Payments are automatic and mailed to the address on your 2023 New York State return.When Checks Arrive and What To Do If Yours Is Late
If your mailbox is still empty as of November 2025 you can follow these steps to track your payment or request a replacement:1. Confirm Eligibility: Make sure you qualified under the state's 2022 tax refund or property tax rebate programs. The payment was only issued to taxpayers who met specific criteria based on their prior-year filings.
2. Check Your Mailing Address: Payments were mailed to the address listed on your 2021 New York State tax return. If you've moved since then, contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to update your address information.
3. Request a Status Update: Call the Tax Department at (518) 453-8146 or visit the official NYS Tax Department contact page to inquire about your check status.
4. Ask About Reissue Steps: If your check was lost, expired, or returned to the state, you can request a replacement check after verification. Be prepared to confirm your identity and prior mailing address.
5. Watch for Scams: The state will never contact you by text, email, or social media asking for personal information to “release” your payment. Only use the official New York State Tax Department website for updates or status checks.
Why The State Is Sending Relief Checks
Inflation increased costs for housing, food, utilities, and transportation. The state created this relief to provide quick help to households that meet the income thresholds.What If I Made Too Much Money?
If your 2023 Adjusted Gross Income is above the threshold for your filing status, you do not qualify for a payment. If you later amend your return and your AGI falls within a qualifying bracket, a payment may be issued after processing completes. For timing and status, contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.What If I Am Not a Citizen but Paid Taxes?
Eligibility is based on your filed New York State tax return and income thresholds, not citizenship. If you filed a valid 2023 return as a resident or part year resident using a Social Security Number or ITIN, and you meet the income limits, you may qualify. For case specific guidance, contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.Do I Need to File a Claim Form?
No claim form is required. If you filed a 2023 New York State income tax return and meet the income thresholds, the check is mailed automatically to the address on that return.How Do I Get My Check?
Checks are mailed to the address on your 2023 return. There is no online portal to opt in. If your address changed, update it with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.What Happens Next After I Qualify?
Wait for delivery through October. If nothing arrives, contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to confirm your details and request reissue steps. Make sure to contact them and not answer any emails or phone calls as those may be scammers attempting to steal your information by spoofing NY State.Can I Get Direct Deposit Instead of a Paper Check?
No. This program is paid by paper check. If a check is returned or undeliverable, follow the state reissue process.What If I Moved or My Mailing Address Is Wrong?
Update your address with the tax department as soon as possible. If the check was mailed to an old address, request a stop and reissue.Will the Check Be Reduced for Debts Like Back Taxes or Child Support?
Offsets can apply in some situations under state rules. Contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for guidance based on your account.What If My Check Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged?
Report the issue to the tax department and ask for instructions to void and reissue the check.Can Dependents Receive Their Own Payment?
Payments are tied to eligibility on the 2023 New York State return. Dependents do not receive separate checks unless they filed their own qualifying return.I Filed Late or Amended My 2023 Return. Am I Still Eligible?
Late or amended returns can delay processing. If you meet the thresholds, a payment may still arrive after processing completes.Can I Track My Payment?
Tracking is not guaranteed. Use the contact options on the tax department website to check status and confirm your mailing address.Will I Get a 1099?
New York State does not treat the payment as taxable for state purposes. Federal treatment can vary by year. Consult a tax professional if you have questions.Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to track my check
Tracking is not guaranteed. You can call or use the contact options on the tax department website to confirm status.
Can I change my address for delivery
Yes. Update your address with the tax department as soon as possible so the check goes to the correct mailbox.
What if the check is issued to an old name
If your legal name changed, contact the tax department. Be prepared to provide documentation and request a reissue.
Will I receive direct deposit
The program is mailing paper checks. If a check is returned or cannot be delivered, follow the reissue guidance.
Does this affect my New York credits or benefits
Relief checks generally do not reduce other New York credits. Review official guidance for your case.
Is this considered income for federal taxes
Federal treatment can vary. Speak with your tax professional for advice based on your return.
Do part year residents qualify
The program is based on your New York filing and income thresholds for 2023. Check official guidance for part year rules.
What happens if my check is lost or damaged
Report it to the tax department. Ask about the steps to void and reissue.
Can my bank cash the check if my ID does not match exactly
Banks have their own policies. If there is a mismatch, request a reissued check with your current legal name.
How Do I Find Class Action Settlements?
Find all the latest class actions you can qualify for by getting notified of new lawsuits as soon as they are open to claims:Sources
• New York State Department of Taxation and Finance• New York Governor's Office
• Department of Taxation and Finance - Inflation refund checks
$30M YouTube Privacy Settlement
Deadline: January 21, 2026
Submit Claim
$4M Frozen Waffles Class Action Settlement
Deadline: Dec 16, 2025
File Claim
$1.9M PetSafe e-Collar Settlement
Deadline: Dec 2, 2025
Payout: $30 - $420
| Program Summary | |
| Status | Payments mailing now |
|---|---|
| Payment window | Expected delivery in October 2025 |
| Maximum amount | Up to $400 |
| Application required | No. Automatic based on 2023 return |
| Delivery method | Paper check by mail |
| Tax treatment | Not taxable for New York State purposes |
| Help and reissues | New York State Department of Taxation and Finance |