New York State launched the digital tool ny.gov/childcare to help make free or low-cost child care options more accessible to families eligible for these assistance programs. However, if you live in the Big Apple and want to apply online, you must do so through MyCity.
The new state portal makes it easier to apply for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which covers at least 90 percent of weekly market-rate child care costs for most eligible households.
CCAP is a state program that helps working families in New York pay for child care. While eligibility is based on multiple factors, including income and family size, many more may qualify for CCAP if their household income is at or below 85% of the state median income.
Currently, 85% of the state median income for a family of four is about $108,000.
That means most eligible families of four will pay no more than $15 per week, saving families thousands of dollars in annual child care costs.
This program already provides free or low-cost child care to approximately 100,000 families statewide.
However, state officials estimate that hundreds of thousands of people are likely eligible for CCAP.
“As New York’s first mother governor, I understand firsthand the challenges of child care and look forward to seeing this transformative program reach more parents and children,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.
This initiative follows the $1.8 billion state and federal investment in the Child Care Assistance Program secured by the state governor in the Fiscal Year 2025 Enacted Budget.
How to apply?
As explained on the ny.gov/childcare portal, applications for New York City cannot be submitted through the child care assistance application portal. Applications for Schenectady County cannot be submitted through the child care assistance application portal either.
If you receive Temporary Assistance or are applying for child care in lieu of Temporary Assistance, Transitional Child Care, or other services such as Public Assistance, SNAP, you must complete the New York State Application for Certain Benefits and Services (LDSS).
This form can also be obtained from your LDSS.
It is also clarified that if you are a foster parent seeking child care assistance for a foster child, or have a protective or preventive services case, please contact your LDSS caseworker to coordinate services.
If you are applying as a non-parent caregiver and do not have financial responsibility for the child who needs child care assistance, such as a grandchild, niece/nephew, or unrelated child, do not include your income. You should only provide the child’s income on the application. If you are not sure if you have financial responsibility, provide information about your income as if you did.
If you are registered and participating in the Address Confidentiality Program, please contact your LDSS to request services using a paper application.
If you are unable to apply for CCAP online, you may complete a paper application.