More than 8 million New York households will receive one-time energy rebate checks, with eligible families set to get up to $200 without having to apply.
More than 8 million households across New York are set to receive one-time energy rebate checks worth up to $200, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced.
Known as the “Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate,” or POWER, the payment will be sent automatically to eligible taxpayers. No separate application or registration will be required.
The checks are scheduled to begin arriving by mail on September 21 and are expected to be distributed through December 2026.
Who Will Receive $200?
Eligibility and the amount of the rebate will be based on information from taxpayers’ 2024 New York State income tax returns.
Under the program:
Married couples filing jointly with income below $150,000 will receive up to $200.
Couples with income between $150,000 and $300,000 will receive $150.
Single filers with income below $150,000 will receive $100.
No Application Required
Eligible residents do not need to submit a separate application or contact a government agency to receive the payment.
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will use information from 2024 state income tax returns to identify eligible taxpayers and mail the checks automatically.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
To qualify for the rebate, residents must generally meet the following conditions:
They must have filed a 2024 New York State income tax return on time.
Their income must fall within the applicable program limits.
They must not have been claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
When Will the Checks Arrive?
The state plans to mail the rebate checks beginning September 21, 2026, with distribution expected to continue through December 2026.
Residents who qualify do not need to call a government office, register for the program or take any additional steps. The state will determine eligibility from existing tax-return information and send the payments automatically.
The rebate is intended to provide one-time financial relief to New York households as energy costs continue to put pressure on family budgets.
