$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
New York Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in New York
SSDI in New York - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in New York - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in New York as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in New York?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. New York expanded Medicaid, so many people also qualify for New York Medicaid coverage in the meantime.
How long does SSDI take in New York?
New York processes initial claims through its Disability Determination Services. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in New York - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in New York - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. New York is more generous than most states: it adds a state supplement on top of the federal payment, and getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM LIVING ALONE
$1,081
Federal SSI of $994 plus New York's $87 state supplement for someone living alone in 2026
NY OTDA 2026 SSI/SSP Benefit Levels Chart
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
- New York residents, who are automatically enrolled in the state supplement (SSP)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does New York add to my SSI payment?
Yes. New York pays a State Supplement (SSP) on top of the federal benefit. It has been run by the state's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, not the Social Security Administration, since 2014. Someone living alone gets an extra $87 a month, bringing the total to $1,081 in 2026; the amount is lower if you live with others or higher in congregate care.
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in New York?
Yes. New York is a 1634 state, so SSI approval automatically enrolls you in Medicaid. No separate application is needed.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Yes. If your SSDI payment is low, SSI can top it up to the combined federal and state maximum. This is called a concurrent claim.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in New York
Disability compensation, pensions, and state property-tax relief for veterans who qualify.
Veterans Benefits in New York
Disability compensation, pensions, and state property-tax relief for veterans who qualify.
If you served and a condition is connected to that service, VA disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free payment you may be owed. The rules are federal, but New York adds its own benefits on top, including property-tax exemptions that can meaningfully lower your tax bill. A higher disability rating means a larger payment and more access to state benefits.
MONTHLY (100% RATING)
$3,938.58
The 2026 tax-free monthly payment for a single veteran rated 100% disabled
VA, 2026
PROPERTY-TAX RELIEF
Up to 25%
New York's Alternative Veterans exemption cuts a home's assessed value by 15% for wartime service plus 10% more for combat
NY Dept of Taxation and Finance, 2026
PAYMENTS ARE TAX-FREE
$0 tax
VA disability compensation is not taxed by the federal government or New York State
VA / NY Dept of Taxation and Finance, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans with a current condition linked to their military service
- A disability rating from 0 to 100% that sets the payment amount
- Discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, or a Restoration of Honor Act letter from NY Veterans' Services
- Surviving spouses and dependents may qualify for related benefits
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. VA claims turn on medical evidence and the right service connection, and small mistakes cost months. We handle the filing and appeals for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
What veterans property-tax breaks does New York offer?
New York has three exemptions: the Alternative Veterans exemption (a percentage cut in assessed value for wartime and combat service, plus extra for a service-connected disability), the Cold War Veterans exemption, and the older Eligible Funds exemption. A new law also creates a full property-tax exemption for veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled, applying to assessment rolls dated on or after October 1, 2026. Check with your local assessor, since municipalities set the maximum caps.
What's the difference between VA disability and a VA pension?
Disability compensation is based on a service-connected condition and is not income-based. A VA pension is a needs-based benefit for low-income wartime veterans. You apply for them differently.
Does a higher disability rating unlock more in New York?
Yes. A higher VA rating increases your monthly federal payment and adds to your New York property-tax exemption, since disabled veterans get an extra reduction equal to half their disability rating.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in New York
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in New York
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in New York?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid in New York?
Medicare is federal coverage based mainly on age or disability. Medicaid, in New York just called Medicaid, is based on income. Some New Yorkers qualify for both and get help paying Medicare costs through a Medicare Savings Program.
Can I get help paying for prescriptions in New York?
Yes. New York's EPIC program helps older adults pay for prescription drugs on top of Medicare Part D. New York's free HIICAP counselors can also screen you for EPIC, Extra Help, and Medicare Savings Programs.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Special Education & IEPs in New York
Your child's right to a free, appropriate public education with the right supports.
Special Education & IEPs in New York
Your child's right to a free, appropriate public education with the right supports.
If your child has a disability that affects learning, they have a right to special education and a written plan, called an IEP, at no cost to you. This is guaranteed by federal law (IDEA) and New York's own rules under Part 200 of the Commissioner's Regulations. New York sets firm deadlines schools must meet once you give consent.
EVALUATION DEADLINE
60 days
New York schools must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of your written consent
NY Commissioner's Reg 200.4, 2026
SERVICES START
60 school days
Services must begin within 60 school days of consent, a clock that pauses over summer break
NY Commissioner's Reg 200.4, 2026
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Evaluations, the IEP, and special education services are always free to families
IDEA
Who qualifies
- Children from ages 3 to 21 with a disability that affects their education
- One of 13 disability categories recognized under federal IDEA and New York Part 200
- A documented need for specialized instruction or related services
- Referred by a parent or school staff in writing to start the clock
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates help you make the written request to the district that starts the 60-day clock, prepare with you, join your CSE meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
How fast must a New York school act on my request?
After you give written consent, the district has 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation, then must have services in place within 60 school days of consent. New York City runs on tighter 30-school-day sub-timelines under the Jose P. consent decree.
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services under IDEA for a child who needs special education. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time, for a child who has a disability but does not need specialized instruction.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your CSE meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in New York
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying New York residents.
Medicaid in New York
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying New York residents.
New York Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, vision, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. New York expanded Medicaid, so adults under 65 can qualify on income alone, up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. You apply through NY State of Health, the state's own marketplace, not the federal HealthCare.gov.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~7 million
New Yorkers who rely on Medicaid, about 1 in 3 state residents (approximate)
NYS FY2026 Executive Budget
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Adults 19 to 64 can qualify on income alone, about $1,836 a month for one person in 2026
NY State of Health 2026 Income Levels
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
NY State of Health, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults 19 to 64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level
- Children ages 1 to 18 up to 154% FPL, and higher through Child Health Plus
- Pregnant women and infants under age 1 up to 223% FPL
- SSI recipients, who are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply online at NY State of Health (nystateofhealth.ny.gov), or call 1-855-355-5777. Have proof of income, identity, and New York residency ready. The same application also screens you for Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan. Adults 65+ and people needing long-term care apply through their local Department of Social Services or NYC HRA instead.
Frequently asked questions
Do I apply through HealthCare.gov in New York?
No. New York runs its own marketplace, NY State of Health. That is where you apply for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, the Essential Plan, and subsidized private plans, all in one application.
What's Child Health Plus?
Child Health Plus is New York's health coverage for children whose family income is too high for Medicaid, up to 400% of the poverty level. It is free below about 222% FPL and has low monthly premiums above that.
Do I have to work to keep Medicaid in New York?
A federal law (H.R.1) directs states to add work requirements for many expansion adults starting in 2027, with more frequent eligibility checks beginning late 2026. Watch for notices from NY State of Health and respond promptly to avoid a coverage gap.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in New York
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in New York
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP helps qualifying households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto an EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, Walmart, farmers markets, and many online retailers. New York runs SNAP through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and local social services districts, and it raises the income limit above the federal floor so more working families qualify.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~2.8M
New Yorkers received SNAP in February 2026, the latest reported month
USDA FNS, 2026
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
HOW FAST APPROVAL HAPPENS
7 days
Expedited benefits for households with very low income or urgent need; standard processing up to 30 days
USDA / NY OTDA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Most families with earned income up to 150% of the federal poverty level, about $3,331 a month for a family of three
- Households with a child, or a member 60 or older or disabled, up to 200% FPL, with no asset limit
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in New York
- Temporary Assistance recipients, who qualify automatically
How to apply
Apply online through myBenefits (mybenefits.ny.gov), or through ACCESS HRA if you live in New York City. An interview is required but can be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need. Benefits arrive on a New York EBT card.
Frequently asked questions
Does New York have a higher income limit than other states?
Yes. Through Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, New York raises the gross income limit above the federal 130%, to 150% of the poverty level for most working families and up to 200% for households with a child or an elderly or disabled member. There is no asset limit for most households.
How is SNAP different from Temporary Assistance?
SNAP can only be used to buy food. Temporary Assistance is a cash benefit for broader household expenses. You can receive both, and Temporary Assistance recipients qualify for SNAP automatically.
Can I use SNAP to buy groceries online in New York?
Yes. New York EBT cards work for online grocery orders at approved retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and many local stores, alongside in-person shopping.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC in New York
Food, formula, and nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
WIC in New York
Food, formula, and nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
WIC helps pregnant people, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well during the years it matters most. You get an eWIC card for specific healthy foods, plus nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support. New York runs WIC through the state Department of Health, and there is no immigration-status requirement to qualify.
INCOME LIMIT
185% FPL
Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level qualify, about $4,957 a month for a family of four
NY Dept of Health / USDA, 2025-2026
WHO IT COVERS
Under 5
Pregnant and postpartum people, infants, and children up to their 5th birthday
NY Dept of Health, 2026
AUTOMATIC ELIGIBILITY
On Medicaid?
Families on Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or the Essential Plan meet the income test automatically
NY Dept of Health, 2026
Who qualifies
- Pregnant people, and those up to 6 months postpartum or 12 months if breastfeeding
- Infants and children under age 5, including those cared for by dads, grandparents, or foster parents
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Anyone already on Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or the Essential Plan, who qualifies on income automatically
How to apply
Start with Wanda, the online WIC assistant, at the New York Department of Health WIC site, or call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1-800-522-5006 to find your local WIC office. You'll set up a short appointment for a health screening and to receive your eWIC card. There is no immigration-status requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get both WIC and SNAP in New York?
Yes. They cover different things. SNAP is a broad monthly grocery benefit, while WIC provides specific foods and formula plus nutrition and breastfeeding support for young children and mothers. Being on SNAP also makes you automatically income-eligible for WIC.
Does using WIC affect my immigration status?
No. WIC is not counted in a public charge determination, and New York certifies eligible families regardless of immigration status.
What can I buy with the eWIC card?
Specific approved foods like milk, eggs, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula, in set amounts based on your family's needs. Your local office sets up a food package tailored to you.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance) in New York
Help paying home heating and cooling bills for income-eligible households.
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance) in New York
Help paying home heating and cooling bills for income-eligible households.
HEAP is New York's name for the federal LIHEAP program. It helps income-eligible households pay heating bills in winter, cover heating emergencies, and buy an air conditioner or fan in summer. It's run by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance through local social services districts, and households on SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Code A SSI are often enrolled automatically.
REGULAR HEATING BENEFIT
Up to $996
The maximum regular HEAP heating benefit for the 2025-2026 season, based on income, household, and heat source
LIHEAP Clearinghouse / NY OTDA, FY2026
INCOME LIMIT
60% SMI
Eligibility reaches up to 60% of the State Median Income, about $5,611 a month for a family of three
NY OTDA / LIHEAP Clearinghouse, 2025-2026
SUMMER COOLING HELP
Up to $1,000
A separate benefit toward an air conditioner or fan and its installation
NY OTDA, 2025-2026
Who qualifies
- Households with income at or below the HEAP limit, up to 60% of the State Median Income
- Anyone receiving SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Code A SSI, who often qualifies automatically
- Both homeowners and renters, including those whose heat is included in rent
- Households in a heating emergency, who may get an emergency benefit
How to apply
Apply online at myBenefits (mybenefits.ny.gov), or through your local Department of Social Services (in New York City, HRA). The regular heating benefit opens in November each year and closes when funds run out. For a heating emergency, contact your local district directly. Many SNAP and Temporary Assistance households are paid automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Is HEAP the same as LIHEAP?
Yes. HEAP is simply New York's name for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Some other states keep the LIHEAP name or use their own.
Can HEAP help in the summer too?
Yes. Beyond winter heating help, HEAP has a Cooling Assistance benefit toward an air conditioner or fan for eligible households, and a Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit for homeowners.
Do I have to apply if I already get SNAP?
Often not. New York prepares automatic HEAP payments for many households already receiving SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Code A SSI. Check with your local district to confirm your status.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Affordable Care Act Plans in New York
Subsidized private health insurance through New York's own marketplace.
Affordable Care Act Plans in New York
Subsidized private health insurance through New York's own marketplace.
If you don't have coverage through a job, Medicaid, or Medicare, you can buy a private plan through NY State of Health, New York's own marketplace, not the federal HealthCare.gov. Most enrollees get help paying. New York also offers the Essential Plan, a near-free option that fills the gap between Medicaid and standard marketplace plans.
ENROLLED THROUGH THE MARKETPLACE
6.7M+
New Yorkers covered through NY State of Health across all programs in 2026 (approximate)
NY State of Health, 2026
ESSENTIAL PLAN PREMIUM
$0
The Essential Plan has no monthly premium and no deductible for those who qualify
NY State of Health, 2026
WHERE TO ENROLL
NY State of Health
New York's own marketplace, not HealthCare.gov, handles all subsidized coverage
NY State of Health, 2026
Who qualifies
- New York residents who are U.S. citizens or lawfully present
- People without affordable coverage through an employer, Medicaid, or Medicare
- Adults 19 to 64 up to 200% FPL may qualify for the near-free Essential Plan
- Households above those limits can buy a plan with premium tax credits based on income
How to apply
Enroll at NY State of Health (nystateofhealth.ny.gov) or call 1-855-355-5777. Open enrollment for private plans runs from November through late January, but Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan are open all year. Free in-person enrollment assistors are available across the state.
Frequently asked questions
Do I use HealthCare.gov in New York?
No. New York runs its own marketplace, NY State of Health. It is the only place to get subsidized private coverage, and it checks you for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan in the same application.
What is the Essential Plan?
The Essential Plan is a New York program for adults who earn a little too much for Medicaid, up to 200% of the poverty level. It has no monthly premium, no deductible, and covers comprehensive benefits including dental and vision. About 1.7 million New Yorkers were enrolled in early 2026.
Is the Essential Plan changing in 2026?
Yes. Because of a federal funding change (H.R.1), the higher Essential Plan tier for people earning 200% to 250% of the poverty level ends July 1, 2026. Affected enrollees are moved to subsidized marketplace plans, and NY State of Health notifies them directly.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Temporary Assistance in New York
Monthly cash help for families and individuals who are struggling to get by.
Temporary Assistance in New York
Monthly cash help for families and individuals who are struggling to get by.
Temporary Assistance (TA), also called Public Assistance, is New York's cash-help program. It has two parts: Family Assistance for families with a minor child, and Safety Net Assistance for single adults, childless couples, and families who have used up their federal time limit. It's run by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance through 58 local districts and New York City Job Centers.
WHO IT HELPS
Two programs
Family Assistance for families with children, and Safety Net Assistance for everyone else in need
NY OTDA, 2026
FEDERAL TIME LIMIT
60 months
Family Assistance is capped at 60 months of federal help in a lifetime, but New York does not cut families off
NY OTDA, 2026
GRANT VARIES BY COUNTY
Under 50% FPL
Cash grants are set by state law and fall below half the poverty level in every county
Empire Justice Center Standard of Need, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a minor child, through Family Assistance
- Single adults and childless couples, through Safety Net Assistance
- Families who have reached the 60-month Family Assistance limit, who move to Safety Net Assistance
- Residents who meet the income and resource limits set by New York
How to apply
Apply online through myBenefits (mybenefits.ny.gov) or ACCESS HRA in New York City, or in person at your local Department of Social Services or NYC Job Center. The same application can also cover SNAP and Medicaid. Emergency assistance may be available for urgent needs like an eviction or utility shutoff.
Frequently asked questions
What happens after the 60-month limit in New York?
Unlike most states, New York does not end cash help at the federal 60-month limit. Families who remain eligible move from Family Assistance to state-funded Safety Net Assistance, so support can continue.
What's the difference between Family Assistance and Safety Net Assistance?
Family Assistance serves families with a minor child and is funded largely through federal TANF dollars, with a 60-month lifetime cap. Safety Net Assistance is state-funded and serves single adults, childless couples, and families past that cap.
How much is the cash grant?
It depends on your county, household size, and shelter costs. The grant has a statewide basic portion plus a local shelter allowance, and total grants fall below 50% of the federal poverty level in every county.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Earned Income Tax Credit in New York
A refundable tax credit that puts money back in the pockets of working families.
Earned Income Tax Credit in New York
A refundable tax credit that puts money back in the pockets of working families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit rewards work by lowering your taxes or paying you a refund. New York is one of the more generous states: on top of the federal credit, it adds a state EITC worth 30% of the federal amount, and New York City residents get a third credit on top of that. You have to file a tax return to claim it, even if you owe nothing.
FEDERAL MAX (3+ KIDS)
$8,231
The largest federal EITC for a family with three or more children in tax year 2026
IRS, TY2026
NEW YORK ADDS
30%
New York's state credit equals 30% of your federal EITC and is fully refundable
NY Dept of Taxation and Finance, 2026
NO KIDS? STILL COUNTS
$664
The maximum federal credit for a worker with no qualifying children in tax year 2026
IRS, TY2026
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income under the federal EITC limits for their family size
- Full-year New York residents, who get the state credit as a full refund
- Investment income below the annual federal cap
- A valid Social Security number for you and each qualifying child
How to apply
Claim it when you file your federal and New York State tax returns; the state credit is figured on Form IT-215. Many New Yorkers qualify for free filing help, and free tax prep sites can make sure you claim every credit. New York City residents should also claim the separate NYC credit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does New York add to the federal EITC?
New York State adds a credit equal to 30% of your federal EITC, and it is fully refundable for full-year residents. If you live in New York City, you get an additional city EITC on top of both.
Do I have to owe taxes to get the EITC?
No. The federal and New York State credits are refundable, so if the credit is larger than your tax bill, you get the difference back as a refund, even if you owe nothing.
Does claiming the EITC affect my other benefits?
No. In New York, an EITC refund is not counted as income by cash assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, and saved refunds are protected from asset limits for a period after you receive them.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credits in New York
Federal and New York State credits that help families with the cost of raising kids.
Child Tax Credits in New York
Federal and New York State credits that help families with the cost of raising kids.
Families with children can claim two credits: the federal Child Tax Credit and New York's own Empire State Child Credit. New York recently expanded its credit, so for the 2026 tax year it's worth up to $1,000 per young child. Both are refundable in part or full, so you can get money back even if you owe little or no tax.
FEDERAL CREDIT
$2,200
The maximum federal Child Tax Credit per qualifying child, up to $1,700 of it refundable
IRS, TY2026
NEW YORK ADDS (UNDER 4)
Up to $1,000
New York's Empire State Child Credit per child under age 4 for tax year 2026
NY Governor / Dept of Taxation and Finance, TY2026
NEW YORK ADDS (AGES 4-16)
Up to $500
The Empire State Child Credit per child ages 4 through 16, rising to $500 for tax year 2026
NY Governor / Dept of Taxation and Finance, TY2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 for the federal credit
- Full-year New York residents with a child under 17 for the Empire State Child Credit
- The state credit phases out above $110,000 for joint filers and $75,000 for other filers
- A valid Social Security number or ITIN for you and each child
How to apply
Claim the federal credit on your federal return (Schedule 8812) and the Empire State Child Credit on your New York State return (Form IT-213). You can claim the state credit even with little or no income, but you must file a New York return by the deadline. Free tax prep help is widely available.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Empire State Child Credit?
It's New York's own child tax credit, on top of the federal one. After a recent expansion, for tax year 2026 it's worth up to $1,000 per child under age 4 and up to $500 per child ages 4 through 16, phasing out at higher incomes.
Can I get the Empire State Child Credit with no income?
Yes. The credit is refundable and there is no minimum income to qualify. If you have little or no income and owe no tax, you can still receive the full credit as a refund, but you must file a New York State return.
Will these credits affect my other benefits?
No. New York confirms that receiving the Empire State Child Credit does not affect Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, cash assistance, or housing assistance, and a saved refund is protected from asset limits for 12 months.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in New York
Help paying for child care so parents can work, train, or go to school.
Child Care Assistance in New York
Help paying for child care so parents can work, train, or go to school.
New York's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps low-income and working families pay for child care. New York recently raised the income limit to 85 percent of the State Median Income, one of the more generous thresholds in the country. It's overseen by the Office of Children and Family Services and run by local social services districts, and families usually pay a small share of the cost.
INCOME LIMIT
85% SMI
Families up to 85% of the State Median Income can qualify, about $113,567 a year for a family of four
NY OCFS 25-OCFS-INF-03, 2025-2026
WHAT YOU PAY
A small share
Families pay a sliding family share based on income; Temporary Assistance families pay nothing
NY OCFS, 2026
DEMAND IS HIGH
31+ counties
Counties and NYC that had closed enrollment or started waitlists as of December 2025
Schuyler Center / NY OCFS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a child under 13, or under 18 with special needs
- Parents who are working, in school or training, or job-seeking
- Household income at or below 85% of the State Median Income
- Families on or leaving Temporary Assistance, who get priority
How to apply
Apply through your local Department of Social Services, or use New York's online Child Care Assistance application. Because demand is high, many counties have waitlists or have closed enrollment, so apply early and ask your district about its current status. Once approved, you choose an OCFS-regulated or approved provider.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I earn and still qualify in New York?
New York raised the income limit to 85% of the State Median Income, about $113,567 a year for a family of four for the 2025-2026 period. That is higher than in many states, so more working families qualify.
Is there a waitlist for child care assistance?
Often, yes. Demand has outpaced funding, and as of December 2025 more than 30 counties plus New York City had closed enrollment or started waitlists. Apply early and check with your local district about its current status.
Can I pick my own child care provider?
Within limits. Care must be with an OCFS-regulated program or an approved legally exempt provider. Your local district can share the list of eligible providers in your area.
Government resources
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