More New York families can get help paying for child care

New York’s Child Care Assistance Program helps working families pay for day care, after-school care, and other child care. The 2023 state budget raised its income limit to 85% of the state median income, the highest limit federal rules allow. For a family of four, that meant up to $93,200 a year, up from $83,250. The state said more than 100,000 more families could qualify.

The budget also set a cap on what families pay: no more than 1% of household income above the poverty line. It required local social services districts to keep paying for up to 80 absences a year, up from 24, so a child’s sick days don’t cost the family its spot. To get aid, families apply through their county social services office or, in New York City, through the city.

Sen. Jabari Brisport and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi introduced companion bills in 2021 to raise eligibility to 85% of state median income. Gov. Kathy Hochul put the same eligibility ceiling, along with the 1% copay cap and expanded absence payments, in her January 2023 State of the State plan. Hochul signed the changes in May 2023 as part of $7.6 billion for child care over four years. The new limit took effect Oct. 1, 2023.

Because the limit is tied to median income, it rises over time. By October 2026 it was about $116,000 for a family of four, and most families paid no more than $15 a week.