New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced last week that the state will send out rebate checks of up to $200 to help New Yorkers pay their utility bills. Hochul stated during an interview with Telemundo 47 that a total of 8.5 million families will benefit from the assistance. She added that this is du e to rising utility costs, particularly for heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. “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. 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 8.5 million families earning less than $150,000,” Hochul told Telemundo 47. The energy rebate checks are part of the $1 billion budget allocated for this cause under the “Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate” (POWER) program, to provide relief to families. Here’s what you need to know. What is this one-time payment about? Who will receive the check? The POWER program will provide $200 to joint filers with incomes under $150,000, and $150 to those with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000. Individual filers with incomes under $150,000 will receive $100. When do you send the checks and how do I receive them? Refunds will be issued as advance credit checks and will be mailed between September and December. Who is eligible to receive a POWER check? An individual is eligible to receive a refund credit check if, for tax year 2024: You filed your New York State Resident Income Tax Return for tax year 2024 on time You were a full-time resident of New York State during tax year 2024 You reported income that falls within the established eligibility thresholds You were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s tax return Do I need to apply? No, the check is received automatically. ...read more read less