Protecting our wallets energy rebate (POWER) check
The 2026-2027 New York State budget established an energy rebate check program to provide relief to taxpayers due to increased utility costs. If you qualify for payment, you do not need to do anything; we will automatically send you a check. Checks will be mailed over a period of several weeks starting in the fall of 2026.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible if you:
- timely filed a New York State Resident Income Tax Return, Form IT-201, for tax year 2024;
- reported income within the qualifying thresholds below; and
- were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return for the 2024 tax year.
For a return to be considered timely filed, it means you filed your return by April 15, 2025, or October 15, 2025, if you filed under a valid extension.
There is no requirement that you provide copies of utility bills to demonstrate eligibility.
How much of a rebate check will I receive?
The amount of your rebate check depends on your income and filing status for tax year 2024:
| Filing status | 2024 New York Adjusted Gross Income (Form IT-201 line 33) | Rebate check amount |
|---|---|---|
|
Single |
$150,000 or less | $100 |
|
Married filing joint |
$150,000 or less | $200 |
| more than $150,000, but not more than $300,000 | $150 |
When will I get my rebate check?
Millions of New Yorkers will receive POWER checks, which will be mailed over a multiple week period beginning in the fall of 2026. You may receive your check sooner or later than your neighbors, as mailings are not based on zip code or region. We cannot provide a specific delivery schedule, and our Contact Center representatives will not have information on the status of your check.
Beginning in the fall of 2026, watch your mailbox for a check that looks like this:
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the POWER check?
No. We will automatically send you a check if you meet the eligibility criteria.
I did not file a New York resident income tax return for 2024. Will I still receive a check?
No. We will mail checks only to taxpayers who timely filed resident income tax returns with the Department for tax year 2024.
Where will my POWER check be mailed?
POWER checks will be mailed to the most current address that the Department has on file for you, which is usually the address from your most recently filed tax return. Although eligibility is based on your 2024 tax return, the Department will mail your check to the most recent address. For example, if you moved after you filed your 2024 return, and you filed your 2025 return with your new address, your check will be mailed to the address you used on your more recent 2025 tax return.
Can I update my address with the Department?
Yes. If your most recently filed tax return does not reflect your current address, or the address on file is different from your current address, you can update your address with the Department using your Individual Online Services Account. If you do not have an Online Services Account, see Create an Online Services Account.
I had my income tax refund automatically deposited in my bank account. Will my POWER check be automatically deposited as well?
No. POWER checks will be delivered by mail only.
I was a part-year resident with New York source income in 2024. Will I receive a POWER check?
No. You must have been a full-year New York resident for tax year 2024 to receive a POWER check.
My 2024 tax refund was applied to an outstanding debt. Will my POWER check be applied to an outstanding debt?
No. The amount of your POWER check will not be applied to any outstanding debts.
I filed my 2024 return on October 15, 2025, with a valid six-month extension. Will I receive a POWER check?
Yes, if you otherwise meet the eligibility requirements. To qualify for the POWER check, you must have filed your 2024 resident income tax return timely, which includes returns filed under a valid six-month extension.