New York has significantly expanded its child tax credit, making more families – including the lowest-income households – eligible for cash refunds this tax season.
The expanded Empire State Child Credit is available now, but families must file a New York state tax return to receive it.
Here’s what parents need to know.
Who is eligible?
You may qualify for the Empire State Child Credit if you:
Income limits for the full credit
Do low-income families qualify?
Yes – even families with little or no income qualify. One of the biggest changes in the expansion is that New York eliminated the minimum income requirement, which previously blocked the poorest families from receiving the full credit.
How much is the credit worth?
Under the expanded Empire State Child Credit:
For tax year 2026, families will be able to claim:
Do I have to file taxes to get it?
Yes. You must file a New York atate tax return — even if you don’t normally file or don’t owe taxes.State officials say many eligible families miss out simply because they don’t file.
Will this affect SNAP, Medicaid or other benefits?
No. Receiving the Empire State Child Credit will not affect eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, cash assistance or housing assistance. If you save your refund, it will not count against asset limits for 12 months.
When can families file?
The 2026 tax filing season (tax year 2025) is now open. State officials recommend e-filing, which is the fastest way to receive refunds. Many families who qualify are also eligible for free tax filing options through New York state.
Why it matters
State officials say the expansion is the largest in New York history and could reduce child poverty by more than 8% if all eligible families claim it. For many households, the credit nearly doubles, increasing from about $472 to $943 on average.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: What to know about NY’s child tax credit this year
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
