Next week, a large percentage of New York State’s roughly 20 million residents will begin receiving a one-time check worth up to $200.

The payment aims to provide relief to cash-strapped New Yorkers who are increasingly dealing with higher living costs driven by rising energy prices in the wake of President Trump’s ongoing war with Iran.

Here’s what you need to know about the payments, including who qualifies and when you can expect to get yours.

What’s happened?

This week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that 8.2 million households in the state will receive energy rebate checks worth up to $200 each. The checks are part of the governor’s recently enacted budget, which included the $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER) program.

POWER, passed in May, authorizes New York State’s Department of Taxation and Finance to distribute funds to eligible residents to help cover increased utility costs. 

Announcing the upcoming distribution of the first checks to residents, Hochul said that “too many families are struggling with rising household energy bills and soaring gas prices at the pump.” 

Her office cited “President Trump’s war in Iran that has New Yorkers now paying on average $4.35 per gallon at the pumps” and federal tariffs as the main drivers behind these increased energy costs.

How much will New Yorkers get?

The amount of the POWER energy rebate checks depends on a household’s tax filing status and adjusted gross income (AGI) for tax year 2024, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. 

Eligible residents will either receive a check worth $100, $150, or $200, the department says. Those distributions work out like this:

• $100 check: if you were a single filer in 2024 with $150,000 or less in adjusted gross income.
• $150 check: if you were a joint filer in 2024 with at least $150,000 in adjusted gross income, but not more than $300,000 in AGI.
• $200 check: if you were a joint filer in 2024 with $150,000 or less in adjusted gross income.

Who qualifies for an energy rebate check?

According to the governor’s office, New Yorkers who meet the above financial thresholds, as well as the following four criteria, will receive a POWER energy rebate check: 

• Filed a timely New York State Resident Income Tax Return for tax year 2024
• Were a full-time resident of New York State in 2024
• Reported income within the qualifying thresholds for tax year 2024
• Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return for tax year 2024

Some 8.2 million households across New York State meet these criteria, Hochul’s office adds.

What do I have to do to get an energy rebate check?

The good news is, if you qualify for the energy rebate check, you don’t need to take any action to receive it.

Based on your 2024 tax and other records, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance can independently determine if you qualify. If you do, you will receive a check.

“There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check,” the governor’s office said.

When will I get my energy rebate check?

The governor’s office confirmed that POWER energy rebate checks will begin going out to residents on September 21, and that check deliveries will continue through December.

Separately, the state’s Department of Taxation and Finance previously cautioned residents that their checks may arrive at a different time than their neighbor’s.

“You may receive your check sooner or later than your neighbors, as mailings are not based on zip code or region,” the agency said.

To help you know when your check arrives, the Department of Taxation and Finance posted a sample image of what the check’s envelope will look like, so you can keep an eye out for it. You can find that envelope sample image here.