STAR checks, referring to the New York State School Tax Relief program, are typically sent out starting from late June to mid-July in some cities such as Buffalo, NYC, Rochester, and Syracuse. Additional payments continue to be sent in August, September, and October. Eligible homeowners either receive their STAR benefit via mailed check or direct deposit each year if they are registered for the STAR credit. If the payment is mailed, recipients should watch their mail until the end of the year to receive their check. More specific delivery schedules can be looked up by county and school district on the official New York State Tax Department website. STAR checks are annual and correspond to the yearly eligibility and registration status of the homeowner.