New York offers $1,800 to families with newborns receiving public assistance

Families receiving regular public assistance in New York may qualify for a one-time payment of $1,800 following the birth of a baby. The benefit, known as the Birth Allowance for Beginning Year (BABY), is intended to help cover essential expenses such as diapers, clothing and safe sleeping supplies.

The program covers babies born on or after November 5, 2025. Families with twins or triplets may receive $1,800 for each newborn, totaling $3,600 for twins or $5,400 for triplets.

To qualify, a household must already be receiving regular public assistance when the baby is born. Families must also submit the necessary documents to add the newborn to their active assistance case within the first 90 days of the child’s life. Households that were not receiving regular public assistance at the time of birth are not eligible, even if they are approved for benefits later.

How to apply for the $1,800 benefit

Parents should notify the social services office responsible for their public assistance case and request that the newborn be added to the household. In New York City, the process is handled by the Human Resources Administration (HRA), which administers cash assistance.

Applicants must provide proof of the birth and meet the requirements for adding the child to their existing case.

Governor Kathy Hochul introduced the benefit as part of broader efforts to reduce the cost of raising a family. She said her administration would continue working to make life more affordable for new mothers and families, expand access to affordable maternal health care and provide resources to help families grow and thrive.

Another benefit available to families with children

New York also offers the Empire State Child Credit, a separate tax benefit available to eligible families. For the 2026 tax year, qualifying households may receive up to $1,000 per child under age four and up to $500 per child ages four through 16.

Families will claim these amounts when filing their tax returns in 2027. Unlike the BABY payment, the Empire State Child Credit is a tax benefit that may reduce the amount owed or generate a refund.