Because of the work, direct payments of more than $1,000 have been sent out for months.
What a difference the New York School Tax Relief (STAR) Program has made, thanks to the work of State leaders and Governor Kathy Hochul.
A press release from the Governor’s office on Thursday said that the STAR Program promised a $2.3 billion pot in 2024 to help nearly three million New York State people pay less in taxes.
Governor Hochul stressed that the program’s main goal is to help New Yorkers with money problems caused by the rising cost of living.
“Millions of New Yorkers will get tax breaks this back-to-school season,” Hochul said in the release.
“From tax credits to child care assistance to summer food benefits, we are continuing to put more money back in the pockets of working New Yorkers to address the cost of living and help families across our state.”
The program has already given free money to at least two million people in New York. Another million will get their checks as fall continues.
RECIPIENT REQUIREMENTS
Through the STAR Program, landlords and seniors in New York who are eligible would be able to get property tax breaks.
The amount of money given to each claimant is based on a number of things, such as their level of income.
Homeowners with family incomes of $500,000 or less would get “several hundred dollars,” the news release said.
People 65 and older whose family income is less than $98,700 could get more than $1,000.
The money is sent out by direct payment or check in the mail.
This year, the free money offer has a brand-new direct deposit option. It also has the first-ever STAR digital portal where users can enter their information and choose not to receive a check in the mail.
People on Long Island can still sign up for direct pay and get their money that way.
Claimants can also choose to have the money put toward their yearly school tax bill.
PAYMENT TIMELINE
The money should all be sent out by September 30, which is the “most common school tax due date across the State,” according to the press release.
But not everyone in New York State has the same school tax due date. For example, people on Long Island have a later fall due date.
It is not clear if there is still time to sign up for the STAR Program this year, since it looks like all the winners have already been chosen.
Find out more on the page for the STAR reference center.
This year, programs in other states that offer a universal basic income also hope to help people financially.
There is a new “music” scheme in Georgia this month that could give some families $1,000.
A controversial scheme in Texas was also brought back to life, and some homeowners will now get $500 every month.
