$400 Stimulus Checks Are Arriving – Who Qualifies and When to Expect Payment

For many Americans, the holiday season brings not only joy but also added financial pressure. With prices continuing to rise and wallets already stretched thin, relief couldn’t come at a better time. Fortunately, help is on the way for thousands of qualifying residents, especially in New York, where new $400 inflation relief checks are currently being distributed.

If you’re wondering who qualifies and when you might see your payment, here’s everything you need to know.

Payments

This month, several states are rolling out stimulus and rebate checks, with many sent as one-time payments aimed at helping residents deal with rising costs. These payments are part of both new programs and ongoing tax relief efforts designed to provide timely economic support.

New York has been one of the most active states in this area. Known for its high cost of living—especially in New York City—the state has introduced several payment programs to help ease the financial burden on its residents. Two of the most impactful programs distributing money this month are the STAR property tax rebate and the $400 inflation relief checks.

STAR

The School Tax Relief (STAR) program has been a longtime source of property tax relief for New Yorkers. While it’s not technically a stimulus check, the annual payment works much the same way by putting money back into the pockets of homeowners.

There are two STAR categories:

STAR Type	Requirements	Max Payment
Basic STAR	Homeowners of any age who meet income limits	Varies
Enhanced STAR	Homeowners 65+ meeting income limits	Up to $1,500

The Enhanced STAR offers more generous rebates, and payments will continue to go out this month for eligible homeowners. If you’ve already submitted your documents and qualify, your STAR rebate could land in your mailbox or bank account any day now.

Rebate

In addition to STAR, New York’s $400 inflation relief check is the new focus for residents this month. Announced by the New York Department of Taxation and Finance, this one-time payment is designed to help offset the impact of inflation on day-to-day expenses.

The payment is automatic—if you qualify, you don’t need to apply. You’ll simply receive your check by mail or direct deposit.

Here are the eligibility requirements for the full $400:

• Married couples filing jointly with an annual income under $150,000
• Qualifying surviving spouses with income under $150,000

For single filers, you can receive a payment of up to $200 if your income is less than $75,000.

To qualify, you must also:

• Have filed Form IT-201 for the 2023 tax year
• Not be claimed as a dependent on another person’s return

If your income exceeds these thresholds slightly, you may still receive a smaller payment, but the maximum amount is $400.

Timeline

These inflation checks started rolling out in September, and distribution continues through December. Over 8 million New Yorkers are expected to benefit from this program. Payments are being sent in waves, so don’t panic if you haven’t received yours yet—it may still be on the way.

Check your recent mail and bank statements. No action is needed on your part if you’re eligible. Just ensure your tax filings are up to date and your address or direct deposit details on file are correct.

Support

While these payments won’t fix long-term inflation, they’re a lifeline for many struggling to get through the month. Whether it’s groceries, heating, or holiday costs, an extra few hundred dollars can make a real difference for families and individuals living paycheck to paycheck.

And New York isn’t done yet. The state is continuing to look into other affordability-focused initiatives, including support for low-income parents, renters, and the elderly.

If you’re eligible, this might not be the last check you see.

FAQs