Adapted from NYS-OCFS Informational Letter and Regulation and Policy Letter 
By Josh Boardman, Health and Wellness Coordinator 

 

Starting August 1, 2022, the New York State Office of Child and Family Services has updated the income limits and work requirements for New York families to receive childcare assistance. These changes are part of the $2 billion state budget investment to support low-income and working families with access to childcare assistance. 

The initial income eligibility limits are expanding to 300% of the state income standards. In the change, a family of three may be eligible for assistance if they make $69,090 a year or less (additional family size eligibility levels are found in the informational letter). These increased limits will make thousands of families eligible for this benefit. These initial income eligibility limits will be effective until May 31, 2023. Funding is limited, so it is best to apply as soon as possible. Find out if you are eligible by contacting your local social services department.  

The work requirement change provides a great benefit for caregivers who are attending a two- or four-year college. Previous rules required a college student to work at least 17.5 hours weekly to be eligible for childcare assistance benefits. The program now has limited situations where benefit administrators may remove work requirements to support college students actively enrolled in classes. Specific eligibility requirements still need to be met, but caregivers may qualify for childcare assistance if they receive temporary assistance or have income up to 200% of the state income standard. Find out if you are eligible by contacting your local social services department.  

Families and providers should contact the local social services department for additional information on funding or the current Child Care Assistance Program. 

Additional information: 

• To review initial income eligibility information and please visit the 22-OCFS-INF-05 Informational Letter 
• To review all work requirement regulations, visit the 22-OFCS-ADM-13 Regulation and Policy Letter