New York Residents: Up to $200 Energy Rebate Checks Mailing Out This September

Get ready for some relief at the mailbox. Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Monday that New York State will begin mailing energy rebate checks to approximately 8.2 million households starting September 21. These payments, part of the state’s ambitious $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER) program, are designed to combat soaring utility and energy costs.

How Much Will You Get?

The amount you receive depends on your filing status and income:

• Joint filers with incomes below $150,000: $200
• Joint filers with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000: $150
• Single filers with incomes below $150,000: $100

Do You Need to Apply?

No. Eligible New Yorkers do not need to apply or register. The Department of Taxation and Finance is using data from 2024 NYS income tax returns to determine eligibility automatically. If you meet the criteria, the check will be mailed directly to you.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for this automatic distribution, taxpayers must:

• Have filed a timely 2024 NYS resident income tax return.
• Be a full-time New York resident.
• Fall within the specified income limits.
• Not be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.

Broader Context

Governor Hochul emphasized that these rebates are part of a larger affordability agenda aimed at helping families struggling with rising household expenses. "As Washington Republicans continue to send the cost of everything... soaring, I’ll never stop working to address the rising cost of living for New Yorkers," Hochul stated.

The POWER program is distinct from the previous inflation refund checks sent last year. It also includes regulatory changes intended to prevent utilities from passing lobbying and political expenses onto ratepayers. Since taking office in 2021, the Hochul administration has provided over $7.6 billion in direct utility bill relief and an additional $1.4 billion for weatherization and renewable energy projects.

Mailed checks are expected to arrive continuously through December.