More than 8 million New Yorkers are set to get a financial boost at the end of September as the state begins mailing out “inflation refund” checks meant to offset higher sales tax costs.

"This is your money and we're putting it back in your pockets,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul when announcing the initiative.

The one-time payments range from $150 to $400 and are based on a taxpayer’s 2023 filing status and income. Individuals who earned $75,000 or less will receive $200, while those who made between $75,000 and $150,000 will get $150. Married couples filing jointly are eligible for $400 if they earned $150,000 or less, or $300 if they earned between $150,000 and $300,000. Heads of household and qualifying surviving spouses will also receive between $150 and $400 depending on income level. 

Eligibility requires having filed a 2023 New York residential tax return and not being claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return. The payments will be issued automatically—no application is needed—and mailed to the address on the most recently filed tax return.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance says checks will be distributed in waves over several weeks. 

“You may receive your check sooner or later than your neighbors,” the agency said. “We cannot provide a specific delivery schedule and our contact center representatives will not have additional information on the status of your check.”

Residents who have moved since filing their return can update their address online through the state tax department’s website to avoid delays in receiving their payment. 

New Yorkers have complained that the cost of living is a strain, with a single person needing roughly $4,130 to $8,000+ per month depending on their lifestyle. For a household of four, the monthly cost can be upwards of $8,925 with an annual income of nearly $277,000 recommended for a comfortable standard of living.