Stimulus checks are back in New York, now with a new name. Ulster County residents are among the millions of New Yorkers set to receive one-time “inflation relief” checks this fall as part of the state’s 2025–2026 budget.
Funded by surplus tax revenue, officials say the payments are designed to offset the rising cost of living. Many Ulster households will benefit from modest automatic payments ranging from $150 to $400, depending on income and filing status. There is no application process. Eligibility is determined based on your 2023 New York State income tax return.
To qualify, you must have filed a full-year 2023 New York resident tax return (Form IT-201), earned middle-income wages (up to $150,000 for individuals and $300,000 for couples), and not been claimed as a dependent. Partial-year residents are excluded. The payments target middle-class taxpayers, with single filers earning up to $75,000 receiving $200, while joint filers earning up to $150,000 will get $400. Those with incomes just above those thresholds will receive smaller amounts.
The cheddar will begin rolling out in mid-October, continuing into November. All payments are sent by mail, even if you’ve got direct deposit set up. If you meet the criteria, most should expect to receive their payments by Thanksgiving, just in time for shopping season.
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