Starting in 2025, many new parents in New York will receive a one-time $1,800 cash payment to help cover the costs of having or adopting a baby. This new support, called the BABY Benefit, is part of New York’s 2026 state budget and aims to give low-income families a better financial start.
Let’s explore who qualifies, how it works, and what other benefits families in New York can expect.
What is the BABY Benefit?
The New York State BABY Benefit is a new program offering a one-time payment of $1,800 to eligible families when they have or adopt a baby during the 2025–2026 tax year. It was introduced by Governor Kathy Hochul as part of her plan to make New York a better place to raise a family.
The goal is to help families handle the high cost of taking care of a newborn by giving them financial support right after birth or adoption.
Who Can Receive the $1,800 BABY Payment?
To get the BABY Benefit, families must meet these three requirements:
- Live in New York State
- Be enrolled in a public assistance program
- Have or adopt a child during the 2025–2026 tax year
More details about how to apply will come from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance soon.
Why the BABY Benefit is Important
Governor Hochul’s office says the BABY Benefit will help the state’s most vulnerable families during a very important time. Raising a child is expensive, and this $1,800 payment will offer some relief.
Although the original idea included monthly support during pregnancy and a larger payment after birth, the final plan now gives a single payment of $1,800 when the baby is born or adopted.
Other Financial Help for Families in New York
The BABY Benefit is just one of many new supports for families in the 2026 state budget. Here are other ways New York families will get help:
Expanded Child Tax Credit
- Up to $1,000 for kids under 4 years old
- Up to $500 for kids aged 4 to 16
- Average credit increased from $472 to $943
- More families (around 187,000) will now be eligible
This could help reduce child poverty by over 8%.
Free School Meals
- All students in the state will get free breakfast and lunch
- This could save families about $1,600 per child every year
Inflation Rebate Checks
- If you filed a 2023 tax return, you might get a rebate of up to $400 in fall 2025
Child Care Support
- The state will invest $100 million to build and improve child care centers
- An extra $10 million will help people offering home child care services
Conclusion
The new $1,800 BABY Benefit in New York is great news for families. It helps new parents with the high costs of raising a baby and shows that the state is working hard to support families. With more help like tax credits, free school meals, and rebate checks, New York wants families to not just survive—but to thrive.
If you’re planning to have or adopt a child in the 2025–2026 tax year and meet the requirements, this benefit can make a big difference. Keep an eye out for updates on how to apply.
FAQ’s
1. Who can get the $1,800 BABY Benefit in New York?
You must live in New York, be on public assistance, and have or adopt a baby during the 2025–2026 tax year.
2. When will the $1,800 payment be given?
The payment will be given as a one-time amount when your baby is born or adopted during the 2025–2026 tax year.
3. What other help is New York giving to families?
Families may also get bigger child tax credits, free school meals, child care help, and up to $400 in rebate checks.