# New York family financial assistance programs

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-family-financial-assistance-programs
> Updated: 2026-10-11T18:06:34.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

New York provides various financial assistance programs for families, including the Empire State Child Credit and the Summer EBT program.

The Empire State Child Credit offers up to $1,000 per child under age four and up to $500 for children aged four to 16. These benefits are claimed during tax filing and can be issued as a refund regardless of state tax liability, provided claimants meet residency and income requirements. 

Additionally, the Summer EBT program provides $120 per eligible child for food purchases during the summer. These funds are distributed via EBT cards and must be used within 112 days of receipt.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: New York offers child tax credits and summer food assistance

New York residents can access the Empire State Child Credit for up to $1,000 per child and must use Summer EBT food assistance funds within 112 days of receipt to avoid expiration.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-offers-child-tax-credits-and-summer-food-assistance

### 2026-10-09: New York joins federal scholarship tax credit program

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has opted the state into a federal tax credit program that provides scholarships for private and public school expenses, sparking debate over public school funding.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-joins-federal-tax-credit-scholarship-program

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Cite as: New York family financial assistance programs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-family-financial-assistance-programs