Thousands of New York City families were at risk of losing their child care assistance. Thanks to a last-minute deal, most will keep their vouchers for now—but the situation is still complicated.
What Happened
In mid-May, city officials announced a late-night agreement that will protect the majority of families who already receive child care vouchers through New York’s Child Care Assistance Program. Nearly 70,000 children rely on this help.
Earlier this year, the program was facing a crisis. Funding wasn’t keeping up with demand, and officials warned that 4,000 to 7,000 children could lose their benefits every month during annual re-certifications. The city even froze new enrollments for families who weren’t federally mandated to receive care.
The Good News
The state’s new deal gives the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) just enough funding to continue serving most current recipients. That means tens of thousands of families will not lose their care right now.
The Catch
Eligibility rules just changed—and they’re much stricter.
You now must meet one of the following to qualify:
- Your income is below 300% of the federal poverty level
- You are experiencing homelessness
- You have a child with a disability
Because of this change, about 2,000 low income children will still lose their vouchers—even though the program is mostly preserved.
The Bigger Problem
To unlock up to $350 million in state matching funds, the city must increase its own funding from $53 million to $328 million. That’s a huge leap, and those state dollars won’t come in unless the city meets that full investment.
The final city budget is due next month, and it’s still unclear if City Hall can meet that target.
What This Means for You
- If you currently have a child care voucher: Watch your re-certification notices closely.
- If you’re on the waitlist or planning to apply: The enrollment freeze may still apply unless more funding is secured.
This crisis isn’t over, but for now, many families can breathe easier. We’ll continue following this story as it develops.
Relief Recap
Most NYC families will keep their child care vouchers, but tighter rules mean some will lose access. Watch your re-certification closely and stay informed as funding changes.