Complete your application now to receive your share of these $686 checks for eligible beneficiaries. Providing financial assistance to select groups in the form of once-off stimulus payments and checks is one of the most streamlined ways for governments to provide immediate financial assistance to alleviate beneficiaries from financial strain. While these payments do not provide a long-term solution to an identified financial crisis, they provide critical short-term support, especially for economically vulnerable groups.
How stimulus checks provide immediate financial assistance
Stimulus checks are generally sent out on a needs-based and one-time basis when a particular economic crisis is identified by authorities. They are different from established social support programs as they are not generally recurring payments that beneficiaries can expect to receive. While cost-of-living expenses have somewhat stabilized this year, many households are still finding difficulty in covering their essential household expenses.
As a response to this, many states across the country have taken it upon themselves to provide economic support in the form of stimulus checks to provide temporary relief. One such state that has been underway with sending out a variety of versions of these payments is New York, under the governance of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
A part of the 2025-2026 New York state budget, residents can apply to receive an inflation rebate check worth up to $400. These payments are the first of their kind and are intended to provide once-off relief for New Yorkers who have had to pay increased sales tax thanks to inflation.
“Starting in October, over 8 million New Yorkers will get an inflation refund because it’s simple—this is your money and we’re putting it back in your pockets,” Governor Hochul said in May.
Your rebate amount will depend on your income and filing status for the 2023 fiscal year, with payments to be distributed automatically over the course of the backend of this year, alongside other stimulus initiatives.
Apply now to receive your share of $686 checks
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity has recently announced that applications are now open for the state’s stimulus initiative to assist residents in covering the increase in energy costs, which are expected this time of the year as winter rolls in. The application period opened on October 1, 2025, for the following four groups, who are noted to be some of the most vulnerable to increases in expenses:
- Individuals aged 60 and above.
- Households with a person who has a disability.
- Families with children under the age of five years old.
- Households that are facing disconnection or are facing low propane supplies.
Average payments residents can expect can amount to $686. The state initiative forms part of the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is subsequently managed and distributed by states individually. From November 1, 2025, applications open for other income-eligible households, with applications closing August 15, 2026, or until the funds run out.
Eligibility critiera to receive your $686 check from the authorities
In order to be eligible to apply for the program, in Illinois, your household’s 30-day gross income must be less than 60% of the state’s median income. You will also need to provide evidence that you hold proof of responsibility for utility expenses. Renters may also be eligible to receive payments, provided that their rent expense represents over 30% of their household income.
Rebates and stimulus checks pertaining to energy costs are not limited to the LIHEAP program. Taxpayers can also claim back from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through the Energy Efficient Home Improvement tax credit. This incentive can see residents claim back up to $1,500 if you upgrade your home’s water heaters to heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) as a means to reduce your household’s total energy costs by including more efficient energy systems in your household.
Disclaimer: Our coverage of stimulus checks, tax reliefs, tax rebates, tax credits, and other payments is based on the official sources listed in the article. All payment amounts and dates, as well as eligibility requirements, are subject to change by the governing institutions. Always consult the official source we provide to stay up to date and obtain information for your decision-making.
