"Phase two" of $1,500 checks are on the way—here’s who qualifies and when to expect yours
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Good news for millions of homeowners: checks worth up to $1,500 are starting to roll out again as phase two of the STAR program begins.
The School Tax Relief (STAR) program, designed to help reduce school property tax burdens, is issuing a second round of benefits this summer and fall.
If you meet just four key requirements, you could be eligible for hundreds—or even over a thousand—dollars in relief.
For retirees and homeowners on fixed incomes, this yearly payment can provide meaningful support.
Here's a clear look at who qualifies, how much you might receive, and when the money could arrive.
Launched in 1998, STAR stands for School Tax Relief.
It’s a state-run program that helps New York homeowners reduce the amount they pay in school property taxes.
Originally focused on helping seniors, the program now offers two tiers of relief based on age and income: Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR.
Qualified homeowners either receive a credit payment (check or direct deposit) from the state or an exemption that lowers the amount due on their school tax bill.
Payments can increase up to 2% annually, helping homeowners keep pace with rising property costs.
Eligibility varies slightly between Basic and Enhanced STAR, but both require four main conditions.
Basic STAR
Enhanced STAR
If you’ve had the exemption since before 2015, you can continue to receive it on your current home.
However, new applicants must apply for the STAR credit instead.
The STAR program covers a wide range of residential properties, including:
As long as it’s your primary residence and you meet the income and ownership rules, you may be eligible.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that phase two of STAR payments is now underway.
Homeowners in areas where school taxes are due in August or September can expect to receive their benefits in the coming weeks and through the fall.
If you live in a region where school taxes were due in June or July—such as New York City, Yonkers, Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse—you may have already received your STAR credit during phase one earlier this summer.
The STAR program is a major statewide effort.
According to Governor Hochul’s office, more than $2.2 billion will be distributed across New York between June and November:
That’s real money making a real difference in households statewide.
With inflation and funding challenges affecting households across the state, STAR benefits are a timely boost.
As Governor Hochul said, “The STAR program provides needed school tax relief to millions of New York homeowners—and the program is now in full swing.”
She also pointed to financial pressure caused by “funding cuts by Republicans in Washington” as a reason for putting money back in the pockets of New Yorkers.
If you're already enrolled in STAR, no further action is needed—just keep an eye on your mailbox or bank account.
If you're unsure whether you're enrolled or think you may now qualify, it's worth checking.
Visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website or call their STAR hotline to confirm your status and get help applying.
Read next: Trump’s latest move rekindles an old American tradition "from the ashes"
Have you received a STAR check this year or in the past? Was the process smooth, or did you run into any challenges while applying? Do you think programs like STAR provide enough support for homeowners, especially during times of financial strain?
We’d love to hear how this benefit has helped you or your family—and if you have any other tax-saving tips or experiences to share, feel free to join the conversation below.
The School Tax Relief (STAR) program, designed to help reduce school property tax burdens, is issuing a second round of benefits this summer and fall.
If you meet just four key requirements, you could be eligible for hundreds—or even over a thousand—dollars in relief.
For retirees and homeowners on fixed incomes, this yearly payment can provide meaningful support.
Here's a clear look at who qualifies, how much you might receive, and when the money could arrive.
Homeowners across the state are receiving school tax relief payments through the STAR program this year. Image Source: Pexels /Photo By: Kaboompics.com.
What is the STAR program?
Launched in 1998, STAR stands for School Tax Relief.
It’s a state-run program that helps New York homeowners reduce the amount they pay in school property taxes.
Originally focused on helping seniors, the program now offers two tiers of relief based on age and income: Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR.
Qualified homeowners either receive a credit payment (check or direct deposit) from the state or an exemption that lowers the amount due on their school tax bill.
Also read: Household savings ahead: Florida lifts sales tax on several staple items
What are the STAR amounts?
- Basic STAR: Most homeowners receive $350 to $600 in relief. New homeowners can no longer apply for the exemption but are still eligible for the STAR credit.
- Enhanced STAR: Seniors aged 65 or older with qualifying income may receive between $700 and $1,500 through the STAR credit.
Payments can increase up to 2% annually, helping homeowners keep pace with rising property costs.
Also read: Is $400 in inflation relief coming your way? Here’s what you should know
What are the four eligibility requirements?
Eligibility varies slightly between Basic and Enhanced STAR, but both require four main conditions.
Basic STAR
- Residency: The home must be your primary residence.
- Age: No age requirement.
- Income: For the credit—household income must be $500,000 or less; for the exemption—$250,000 or less.
- Ownership: You must own the property.
Enhanced STAR
- Residency: The home must be your primary residence.
- Age: At least one owner must be 65 or older.
- Income: $107,300 or less for 2025 benefits; $110,750 or less for 2026.
- Ownership: You must own the property.
If you’ve had the exemption since before 2015, you can continue to receive it on your current home.
However, new applicants must apply for the STAR credit instead.
Also read: Could your monthly Social Security payment be changing? What to know before your next check
What types of homes are eligible?
The STAR program covers a wide range of residential properties, including:
- Houses
- Condominiums
- Cooperative apartments
- Manufactured homes
- Farmhouses
As long as it’s your primary residence and you meet the income and ownership rules, you may be eligible.
Also read: A missed Social Security check can change everything—here’s how to protect yourself
When are the checks coming?
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that phase two of STAR payments is now underway.
Homeowners in areas where school taxes are due in August or September can expect to receive their benefits in the coming weeks and through the fall.
If you live in a region where school taxes were due in June or July—such as New York City, Yonkers, Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse—you may have already received your STAR credit during phase one earlier this summer.
Eligible homeowners may receive up to $1,500 in school tax relief through New York’s STAR program. Image Source: YouTube / PIX11 News.
Also read: Is there hidden money waiting for you? How to instantly check if you have unclaimed cash
A look at the numbers
The STAR program is a major statewide effort.
According to Governor Hochul’s office, more than $2.2 billion will be distributed across New York between June and November:
- Long Island: $698.4 million for 582,000 homeowners
- Mid-Hudson region: $488.5 million for over 400,000 residents
- Western New York: $178.5 million for 320,000 people
That’s real money making a real difference in households statewide.
Also read: Six onboard as plane crashes in upstate New York—at least one fatality has been confirmed
Why is this happening now?
With inflation and funding challenges affecting households across the state, STAR benefits are a timely boost.
As Governor Hochul said, “The STAR program provides needed school tax relief to millions of New York homeowners—and the program is now in full swing.”
She also pointed to financial pressure caused by “funding cuts by Republicans in Washington” as a reason for putting money back in the pockets of New Yorkers.
Also read: Protect your wallet: Millions of Americans could face sky-high energy bills—avoid a $727 shock
A few helpful reminders
- You can’t receive both the STAR credit and STAR exemption for the same property.
- Seniors turning 65 this year should apply for Enhanced STAR—you may see your benefit nearly double.
- New homeowners must apply for the credit, not the exemption.
If you're already enrolled in STAR, no further action is needed—just keep an eye on your mailbox or bank account.
If you're unsure whether you're enrolled or think you may now qualify, it's worth checking.
Visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website or call their STAR hotline to confirm your status and get help applying.
Read next: Trump’s latest move rekindles an old American tradition "from the ashes"
Have you received a STAR check this year or in the past? Was the process smooth, or did you run into any challenges while applying? Do you think programs like STAR provide enough support for homeowners, especially during times of financial strain?
We’d love to hear how this benefit has helped you or your family—and if you have any other tax-saving tips or experiences to share, feel free to join the conversation below.
