New Yorkers, get ready for a financial boost this fall. As part of the 2025 School Tax Relief (STAR) program, eligible homeowners will receive stimulus-style checks ranging from $300 to $1,500, set to arrive in September.
This generous tax relief—backed by a whopping $2.2 billion budget—is expected to benefit nearly 3 million homeowners statewide. Keep reading to find out whether you’re eligible, how much you might receive, and what action you need to take now.
Payment Details & Timeline
The STAR stimulus is being distributed in phases, aligned with local school tax deadlines:
| Recipient Type | Payment Range | Delivery Timing |
|---|---|---|
| General STAR recipients | $300 – $600 | June–July for early deadlines |
| Enhanced STAR (seniors 65+) | $700 – $1,500 | September–October for later deadlines |
| Inflation refund (separate) | Up to $200 – $400 | Mailed late September |
- The Enhanced STAR offers higher relief for seniors with income below a set threshold.
- Checks are sent by mail or direct deposit, depending on your enrollment and timing.
Who Qualifies for These Payments?
Basic STAR: Homeowners
- Must own & occupy their primary residence in New York State.
- The combined adjusted gross income (AGI) of owners and spouses must be $500,000 or less.
Enhanced STAR: Seniors (65+)
- At least one homeowner must be 65 years or older by December 31, 2025.
- Combined AGI must be $107,300 or less.
Inflation Refund
- Based on 2023 tax return AGI and filing status:
- Single earning ≤ $75,000 → $200
- Joint filers earning ≤ $150,000 → $400
How to Check and Claim Your Payment
- Check your enrollment — If you previously enrolled in STAR, benefits are automatic.
- Use your ZIP code to find your check delivery schedule online using New York’s STAR delivery lookup.
- Enroll in direct deposit via the Homeowner Benefit Portal to receive payments faster and avoid check delays.
- New homeowners or non-enrolled applicants who missed the March deadline can reapply starting September 15.
Regional Breakdown of Benefits
| Region | Estimated Relief |
|---|---|
| Long Island | $698 million |
| Hudson Valley | $489 million |
| Capital District | $145 million (242k homes) |
| NYC | $159 million (483k homes) |
| Remaining Regions | Hundreds of millions more |
| Total | $2.2 billion for ~2.83 million homeowners |
Why This Matters
With property taxes on the rise, these STAR payments offer real relief—especially for seniors. The enhanced support helps ease financial burden and supports households managing inflation-related costs. And by spreading payments regionally and offering direct deposit, the state ensures timely support for those who need it most.
Best Practices to Ensure You Receive Benefits
- Confirm your STAR enrollment early; benefits are not automatic if you’re newly eligible or missed earlier deadlines.
- Enroll in direct deposit to avoid waiting for mailed checks.
- Check your eligibility and delivery schedule regularly via the STAR portal.
- Reapply promptly if you’ve made property or ownership changes.
New York State’s fall 2025 STAR payments offer a valuable lifeline for homeowners—especially seniors—whether in the cities or rural heartland. With $300–$1,500 in stimulus-style relief, these checks can make a real difference amid rising property taxes and cost of living pressures.
Ensure your enrollment is up to date, check your delivery schedule, and prepare for a financial boost headed your way this September.
FAQs
Yes—if you’re already enrolled and eligible, you’ll receive the payment via check or direct deposit depending on your enrollment and timing.
You can reapply for STAR credit starting September 15 to receive the next round of payments.
No—STAR payments are tax relief for property taxes and do not adjust benefits like Social Security, Medicare, or income assistance.