The condition of new York will usher in a historic expansion of the child tax credit in January, a measure that will more than enable 1.6 million families Gain access to greater tax relief. The plan includes a benefit of up to $1,000 for each child under four years and additional amounts for older children, given the growing economic pressure on households with children.
As reported Telemundo 47The initiative is part of a package of affordability measures launched by the Gov. Kathy Hochulwith the goal of sending thousands of dollars directly to families and strengthening support for new mothers across the state.
Starting in January 2026, eligible households can apply for up to $1,000 per child under four years old. For children ages 4 to 16, the credit is $330 per year.
The governor called the expansion the largest in the state’s history. According to officials, the change will double the average loan amount families receive. which will rise from $472 to $943.
The benefit is aimed particularly at low- and middle-income households, but also includes sectors that were not previously eligible.
More money in parents’ pockets.
I am New York’s first mother governor and I agree with this message! pic.twitter.com/1v3BQyWTQs
– Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 25, 2025
“I will never stop working to make life more affordable for new mothers and families across New York,” said Governor Hochul.
“That’s why I’m continuing to put more money in New Yorkers’ pockets to expand access to affordable maternal health care and give families more resources to grow and thrive.”
A family of four with one young child and one school-age child and an annual income of up to $110,000. You could receive a total credit of $1,500 per yearalmost 1,000 more than under the current regulation.
Even families earning up to $170,000 who were previously excluded can access more than $500 a year. The reform also eliminated the minimum income requirement, making the loan fully repayable and allowing the most vulnerable families to receive the full amount.
The plan calls for another increase starting in 2027, when the credit for children ages 4 to 16 will increase to $500 per child. Officials estimate these improvements will benefit more than 2.75 million children across New York.
Your family is my fight.
Our $5 million investment to expand maternal health care in the Bronx builds on the actions we have taken nationwide to support new mothers and give babies the best possible start in life. pic.twitter.com/hXS6xYPTSe
– Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 25, 2025
As explained Telemundo 47the extended loan can be applied for through the normal 2026 tax return processwhose season begins at the end of January. No additional procedure is required outside the regular tax system.
The announced package also includes the creation of the BABY benefit, a one-time benefit of $1,800 for families having a new baby.
This aid, administered by the State Office for Temporary and Disabled Assistance, is intended to cover essential expenses in the first months of life, such as diapers, clothing and items for the newborn’s safe rest. The program is aimed at low-income parents and is intended to reduce child poverty.
At the same time, Hochul announced a government investment of $5 million to build a new maternal health center in the Bronx. The facility will provide pregnancy, birth and postpartum care in a community model setting, with an emphasis on midwifery, holistic wellness and collaborative services.
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