New York Governor Kathy Hochul announces $1000 per child aid: Here's how to apply
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a groundbreaking $2.2 billion investment in child care services, aiming to provide subsidies, tax credits, and school benefits to families in need.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a crucial $2.2 billion investment in child care that aims to promise families throughout the state with subsidies, tax credits, and school benefits. Within the 2026 fiscal year budget, this landmark proposal will create a significant uplift in support for low and middle-income families, establishing more accessible and affordable child care for families in need.
The new plan outlined will contain a host of incentives including a $1,000 tax credit per child under four, free breakfast and lunch for K-12 students, and various funding for child care services, facilities and programs. The goal is to lighten the financial burdens on families, while significantly improving the child care infrastructure and services available in New York State.
How to apply for Child care subsidies in New York
Families who are interested in applying for subsidy can access MyCity, New York City's designated portal. Through the MyCity site, users can set an account, complete the application, and track the status of their application online, reported Univision.
To find licensed providers, we recommend using NYC Child Care Connect, which allows users to search for providers by location and active license.
The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) also maintains a database of all valid center-based child care providers registered in New York State. The agency confirmed that the application process will now be fully digital for the first time.
Child care service in New York 2025
During an event at the Hudson Guild Child Center in Manhattan, Hochul said, "Child care is the foundation of a strong economy and a bright future for our children." The governor's office said this is the largest amount ever dedicated to child care in the state's history.
Of the total budget, $400 million will be used to subsidize child care costs across the state, and $350 million will specifically go to families in New York City, according to the governor's office.
The plan also contains $110 million for building child care centers and improving their facilities, focusing on low-income communities that are looking to expand openings and improve child care centers.
Tax credits and free school meals for students
The budget also has free breakfasts and lunches for all K-12 New York students, with official reporting stating that the average annual savings per keystone (student) will be $1,600; a form of reprieve for family costs.
In addition, child care providers were updated reimbursement rates, including differential payments for evening and weekend services. These newer changes follow improvements made in 2023 when eligibility thresholds were raised for families of four who earn up to 108,000.
Green CHIPS program and benefits for workers with children
Another aspect of the legislation mandates that companies that receive state support under the Green CHIPS law, intended to increase New York's tech sector, must participate in child care programs. Hochul's office said this requirement is meant to assist working families in each region, as well.
