REBATE checks worth up to $200 are being sent out starting today in a major US state.
New Yorkers are being compensated as part of an energy bill rebate, while millions are struggling with rising costs nationwide.
Checks will be paid through December as part of a $1billion budget program.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has touted the rebate checks as a way to protect families heading into the winter.
Hochul said during the program’s announcement: “This Budget not only means enhanced protections and direct financial relief for ratepayers today, it prepares us for an even stronger tomorrow thanks to our historic investments in sustainability, grid reliability, infrastructure and resiliency.
“We have a comprehensive package. We’ve included a taxpayer protection plan in the budget because people are terrified of paying their bills at the end of the month.
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“And one of the bills that keeps going up and up is the utility bill. Winter, heating costs, air conditioning in the summer — all of this puts a huge burden on our families.
“So we’re going to send checks of up to $200 to 8.5million families earning less than $150,000.”
Payments range from $100 to $200 based on income thresholds and tax filing status.
Joint filers earning under $150,000 will receive $200, while joint filers earning between $150,000 and $300,000 will receive $150.
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Individual filers making less than $150,000 will receive $100.
New Yorkers who have resided in the state and filed their taxes on time for 2024 will be automatically sent their payments.