By Yisroel R.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that more than 8.2 million Inflation Refund Checks have now been mailed to eligible New Yorkers, completing the main phase of the state’s first-ever program designed to help residents cope with rising costs. The initiative, secured in the FY 2026 State Budget, is the largest program of its kind in state history, providing $2.2 billion in direct financial relief.

“These checks are putting money back into the pockets of people across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “We followed through on our commitment to deliver meaningful relief to hard-working New Yorkers, and we’ll continue looking for ways to address the ongoing affordability challenge.”

The checks, which are up to $400 per household, have been distributed over the past two months to New Yorkers who meet the state’s eligibility criteria. While the statewide mailing is largely complete, officials say additional checks will continue to be sent in smaller batches as the State Tax Department confirms more taxpayers.

According to the Governor’s office, New York City received the largest share with more than 3.5 million checks totaling $828.8 million. The Mid-Hudson region received 924,000 checks valued at $234.2 million, and Long Island received 1.25 million checks totaling $316.4 million. In total, the program reached 8.21 million New Yorkers, distributing $2.035 billion across every region of the state.

The Inflation Refund Check program is part of the Governor’s broader Affordability Agenda, which also includes lowering middle-class tax rates to their lowest levels in 70 years, expanding the Child Tax Credit to up to $1,000 per child, and ensuring universal free school meals — saving families about $1,600 per child each year.

More information on the Inflation Refund Checks and the Affordability Agenda can be found on the Governor’s website: https://www.governor.ny.gov/programs/making-new-york-state-more-affordable