Bronxville, Scarsdale and Eastchester households are receiving state energy rebate checks of $100 to $200, with mailings continuing through December.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday, Oct. 15, that 3 million checks have already been delivered and another 5.2 million are set to go out, News 12 Westchester reported. The one-time payments are part of the state's $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate program, known as POWER, according to 13WHAM.

No application is required.

The state Tax Department is automatically mailing checks to eligible residents.

How much?

The amount depends on 2024 income and filing status:

  • Joint filers earning less than $150,000 receive $200.
  • Joint filers earning between $150,000 and $300,000 receive $150.
  • Single filers earning less than $150,000 receive $100.

Who qualifies?

To be eligible, residents must have been full-year New York State residents in 2024, filed a timely state income tax return by April 15, 2025 (or Oct. 15, 2025, with a valid extension), and not been claimed as dependents on another taxpayer's return, according to the state Tax Department. No utility bills are needed to prove eligibility.

When and how?

Checks began going out Sept. 21 and will continue through December, according to 13WHAM. The state Tax Department says mailings are not based on ZIP code or region, so neighbors may receive their checks at different times.

Every check arrives by mail. Even residents who had their tax refund direct-deposited will get a paper check. The check goes to the most current address the Tax Department has on file, which is usually the address from the most recently filed return. Residents who have moved can update their address through the Tax Department's Individual Online Services Account.

"Our energy rebate checks are just one of many ways we're helping families address rising costs," Hochul said in a statement.

The POWER check will not be applied to any outstanding debts, the Tax Department said. Part-year residents are not eligible.

Hochul also highlighted the state's separate Energy Affordability Program, which provides monthly utility bill discounts. About 50,000 households have applied since a statewide enrollment push began in mid-September, according to the governor's office. That program serves about 1 million households, with an estimated 2.5 million more eligible but not enrolled. Residents can search for "NY Energy Affordability Program" for enrollment details.