New York families are getting much-needed financial relief this year through the School Tax Relief (STAR) program, a long-standing initiative that helps offset some of the highest property taxes in the country.
With a massive $2.2 billion budget, the state is sending checks to nearly 3 million homeowners across multiple phases, timed with local school tax due dates.
Phases of the STAR Payment Distribution
The STAR program is not a one-time release. Instead, payments are distributed in stages based on school tax deadlines:
Phase 1: Benefits went to homeowners and seniors with school tax due dates in June and July.
Phase 2: Now underway, helping homeowners with tax bills due between August and October.
Continuing Deliveries: More checks will roll out through the fall, depending on local tax schedules.
Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized that the STAR program is part of her administration’s effort to ease the strain of rising inflation and higher living costs on New York families.
How the STAR Payment Is Divided
The STAR program has two levels—Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR—depending on age and income.
Basic STAR
For homeowners under 65 years old.
Household income must be $500,000 or less.
Payments generally range between $350 and $600.
Enhanced STAR
For seniors 65 and older.
Income must be $250,000 or less (individual or combined).
Payments usually range between $700 and $1,500.
This tiered approach ensures that seniors and lower-income families get a bigger share of relief when property tax bills arrive.
Which Areas Benefit the Most?
The STAR program reaches families across the state, but some regions see larger payouts:
Long Island:
582,000 families benefit.
Total support: $698.4 million.
North Country:
88,000 families benefit.
Total support: $47.2 million.
Across New York’s 10 regions, both Basic and Enhanced STAR checks are being distributed, with amounts tailored to property values and household eligibility.
Why It Matters for Families
For many New Yorkers, STAR checks arrive right as school tax bills are due, making them a crucial financial cushion. Homeowners often use the money to cover immediate expenses, prevent debt, or simply stay afloat amid rising costs.
Governor Hochul framed the STAR program as not just tax relief but a direct way to keep money in families’ pockets, particularly when federal funding cuts create uncertainty.
With inflation pushing everyday expenses higher, the STAR program is more important than ever. By sending out billions in school tax relief checks, New York is helping nearly 3 million households breathe easier.
From modest $350 payments for younger homeowners to $1,500 checks for seniors, the STAR program continues to be a lifeline—providing stability and ensuring that hardworking families can keep up with the financial demands of living in the state.
