Eligible New York homeowners in communities with school tax due dates in August or September will begin receiving STAR property tax relief benefits in the coming weeks, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday.
Most homeowners eligible for a STAR credit will receive checks ranging from $350 to $600. Seniors eligible for the Enhanced STAR program can expect checks between $700 and $1,500.
The announcement marks the start of phase two of the 2026 STAR benefit season. Homeowners can track their payment or enroll in direct deposit at the state’s STAR website.
STAR checks already sent in some regions
Phase one of the STAR benefit season covered areas with school tax due dates in June and July, including New York City, Yonkers, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. Those payments were completed last week.
The STAR program provides school property tax relief to eligible homeowners statewide. Benefit season runs from June through November.
State officials estimate nearly 3 million homeowners will receive more than $2.2 billion in property tax relief this year through STAR exemptions, credits, checks or direct deposits.
How homeowners receive STAR benefits
Eligible homeowners receive their STAR benefit in one of two ways:
Homeowners who receive STAR credits can check payment timing through the state’s STAR Credit Delivery Schedule.
Those interested in direct deposit can enroll through the state’s Homeowner Benefit Portal. Officials recommend enrolling as soon as possible. Homeowners who sign up fewer than 15 days before their credit is issued may still receive a paper check this year, with direct deposit beginning next year.
Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley among biggest recipients
Regional STAR tax relief totals for 2026 include:
Hochul: Program provides relief amid economic uncertainty
“The STAR program provides needed school tax relief to millions of New York homeowners — and the program is now in full swing,” Hochul said in a statement.
State officials said the program is designed to help offset property tax burdens for homeowners, particularly seniors and middle-class families facing rising costs.
According to the state, nearly $2.2 billion in STAR benefits will be distributed to approximately 2.83 million homeowners this year.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: STAR checks up to $1,500 rolling out across NY: When homeowners will get them
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By New York Connect Team, USA Today Network | USA TODAY Network
