Creating a family is tough, but doing it in the state of New York feels like Sisyphus’ quest. Parents don’t just have to worry about expensive food and diapers; taking a look at childcare center rates can make you suddenly feel vertigo even if you are on the ground floor. That said, 2026 is starting off on a high note for working and middle-class parents. The Empire State Child Credit becomes active on January 1, 2026. Going forward, the state will send out up to $1,000 for each of the youngest kids in a family.
This tax break is meant to take the pressure off working families who have been dealing with inflation, finally offering support for the youngest children who were left out for years.
Child Tax Credit in NY from 2026 onward
Up until now, New York’s child tax credit weirdly left out kids under the age of four. This was a confusing gap for new parents, especially since those first few years are the most expensive. Babies need so much attention, diapers, and daycare—plus formula or a parent stepping back from work to nurse them. Yet, New York didn’t give a cent in tax credits for children in this age bracket.
Lawmakers have finally heard what parents were saying and greenlit the fix. That gap will disappear when you submit your taxes in 2026 for the 2025 tax year.
How much will I get?
The updated credit sorts kids into two brackets: those under four, and those aged four to 16. Little ones automatically get the full $1,000 each. That’s a huge upgrade from the absolutely $0 parents previously got for that age group.
If your kids are older, the credit is still available, though the amount differs. For 2026, the payment sits at $330 per child. But for the following tax return—filed in 2027—the rate will go up to $500 per child.
Naturally, there are income limits and specific requirements you need to meet. Since the program is meant to support middle-class and low-income households, there are caps on how much you can earn:
- Married couples who file together: $110,000.
- Single parent: $75,000.
- Married couples who file separately: The limit is $55,000 for each person.
Don’t worry if you earn more than that—they won’t deny you the child tax credit, but the amount you receive per child will be smaller. The benefit drops by $16.50 for every $1,000 you go over the limit.
Least to say, you also have to follow residency rules. To qualify, you must have lived in New York State for the full year, or be married to someone who did.
How to claim the credit
You can’t just wait for the money to show up like you could with some federal stimulus checks; this one takes a little paperwork. You need to file your income tax return and make sure to attach Form IT-213, which is the “Claim for Empire State Child Credit.”
To qualify for the New York State child credit, you need a valid Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You must provide one for yourself and for every child you list on Form IT-213.
Other support systems in NY for parents
The updated rates for the Child Tax Credit are not the only program that helps parents with the costs of daily life. There are other programs available for working families with limited income. For example, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) will help partially cover the costs of childcare costs if both parents are working/studying, earn below a certain income threshold, and need to leave their children in a daycare center for a few hours each week.
On the other hand, the state of New York has one of the strongest paid leave programs in the USA. You can take up to 12 weeks of leave, will still receiving 67% (!) of your average wage.