New York's Stimulus Checks: Could You Get a STAR Cheque in 2025?

• Author: Bobby Kub
• Posted: 2025-12-27

In New York, many homeowners are looking forward to a little bit of financial help with their property taxes. The state has started sending out stimulus checks this week as part of the STAR program's tax credit.

The STAR program used to give you a direct cut on your school tax bill. But now, it works a bit differently. Instead of getting an immediate discount, homeowners pay their taxes first and then get a check from the state.

To help people find out when they'll get their checks, the state's Tax Department has put up an online tool where you can see the schedule for when checks are mailed out to different places.
 

Here’s how you can benefit from the STAR program:

 

• STAR Credit: If you're signed up, you get a STAR check in the mail from the tax department every year, or you can choose direct deposit. You use this money towards your school taxes. To get the STAR credit, your home must be where you mainly live, and the income of you and your spouse, if you’re married, has to be $500,000 or less together.
• STAR Exemption: If you've had this exemption since 2015, you can keep getting it for your main home. Your school tax bill will be reduced by the amount of your STAR exemption, as long as you're still eligible.

 

Who can get a STAR check in 2025?

Homeowners whose primary home has an income below $500,000 can get these benefits.

Here’s what you need to qualify:

1. For the Basic STAR program:

• There’s no age limit.
• The property has to be where you mainly live.
• Your income must be $500,000 or less to get the STAR credit or $250,000 or less for the STAR exemption.

2. For the Enhanced STAR program:

• Someone owning the home must be 65 or older.
• For getting the benefit in 2025, your income should be $107,300 or less. If you're looking at benefits for 2026, then it’s $110,750 or less.

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Check out: New Program Aims to Help Vulnerable Individuals Secure Stable Housing