Millions Are Getting Inflation Refund Checks, But Only in Certain States
New Yorkers are in the middle of a rare state-level cash payout this year, but they’re not the only ones seeing government money headed their way. In late 2025, New York rolled out its first-ever inflation refund checks, mailing out more than 8.2 million one-time payments of up to $400 to residents as part of the state’s affordability plan.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office said the checks, designed to offset rising living costs from inflation, were mailed over several weeks starting in the fall of 2025, with most hitting mailboxes in time for the holiday season.
Here’s how they worked: if you filed a New York State resident tax return for 2023 and filed within certain income thresholds, you automatically qualified for a refund check unless you were claimed as a dependent. The amount mailed ranged from around $150 to $400, depending on filing status and income.
Why This Matters Now
Even though federal stimulus programs have ended, state governments are increasingly stepping in with direct cash relief as inflation and high living costs continue to pinch household budgets.
That means New York’s inflation refund is part of a much broader pattern where some states are offering rebates, tax relief checks, or credits this year, and many Americans may be eligible for payments without realizing it.
States Sending Cash Payments in 2025–2026
Here are the key states with active rebate or refund programs you should know about:
- New York: More than 8 million residents have already been mailed inflation refund checks up to $400 as part of the FY 2026 budget, no action required if you qualify.
- Alaska: The annual Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend continues to send checks funded by oil revenue to eligible residents, often around $1,000 per person.
- New Jersey: State tax rebates and relief checks are being distributed to qualifying taxpayers as part of the state’s broader relief efforts.
- Pennsylvania: Some residents there are receiving property tax rebates or credits aimed at reducing the cost of living.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you live in any of these states:
- Check your state revenue department website for eligibility details
- Look for mailed refund checks or direct deposits
- Make sure your tax filing address and bank information are up to date
Even states without formal “inflation refund” programs sometimes include tax rebate language in quarterly or annual refunds, and missing simple eligibility steps could cost you real money.
Source: Governor.ny.gov
Quick Take
You don’t have to live in New York to benefit from state-level relief programs this year, several states are quietly getting cash into residents’ hands as inflation remains a concern. New York’s program has dominated headlines, but the broader trend shows a patchwork of rebate and refund efforts that could deliver checks ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on where you live.
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