Governor Kathy Hochul has announced new initiatives aimed at improving affordability for families in New York and expanding access to maternal health care. Beginning in January, more than 1.6 million families across the state will be eligible to file for up to $1,000 per child under age four as part of an expanded child tax credit. The expansion is expected to benefit over 2.75 million children by 2027, with credits for children ages 4-16 increasing to $500 per child.
The Governor also introduced the “Birth Allowance for Beginning Year” (BABY) Benefit, which provides a one-time payment of $1,800 to eligible families receiving public assistance upon the birth of a new baby. This initiative is designed to help vulnerable households cover essential needs such as diapers and clothing during a critical period.
A $5 million investment was also announced for the construction of a new maternal health care center in the Bronx. The facility will offer labor, delivery, postpartum care, and additional health services in a home-like setting through a midwifery and collaborative care model.
“I’ll never stop working to make life more affordable for new moms and families across New York,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why I’m continuing to put more money back in New Yorkers’ pockets, expand access to affordable maternal health care, and deliver more of the resources families need to grow and succeed.”
The expanded child tax credit will double the average benefit from $472 to $943 for low- and middle-income households. For example, a family of four with one toddler and one school-age child earning up to $110,000 could receive an annual credit of $1,500—nearly $1,000 more than before. Families previously excluded due to minimum income requirements are now eligible for the maximum refundable credit.
Eligible residents can claim these benefits during the normal tax filing process starting in 2026.
Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn of the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance stated: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State has greatly expanded the resources available to families with young children, so parents are better able to provide for their children both economically and emotionally. These evidence-based investments will improve maternal well-being and positive child development. The BABY Benefit will provide economic support for parents of infants to reduce economic hardship and help ensure a better foundation for both parent and child. This investment along with the Governor’s historic expansion of the Empire State Child Tax Credit are critical actions to reduce childhood poverty in New York and improve long-term health, education, and employment outcomes for New York families.”
Dr. James McDonald, Health Commissioner at the New York State Department of Health said: “I thank Governor Hochul for always prioritizing the needs of New York families and ensuring that real resources are put directly in their hands. From the expanded Child Tax Credit to the BABY Benefit and now the new maternal health center in the Bronx, these initiatives will expand access to care, support maternal and child health and provide families with the financial security they need to thrive.”
Acting Tax Department Commissioner Amanda Hiller commented: “The Empire State Child Credit is a proven accountable way of delivering vital support to New York families. By expanding this refundable credit, Governor Hochul is helping to lift more children out of poverty.”
State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan added: “We know that socioeconomic factors can have a significant impact on the mental health of new parents and can play a huge role in the growth and development of their child. These supports represent a commonsense approach to maternal mental health and achieving better outcomes both today and later in life. Governor Hochul’s focus on prenatal and postpartum supports will help us eliminate past inequities and usher in a healthier future for parents and their children.”
Representative Ritchie Torres said: “Every parent in the Bronx should be able to raise a child with stability and good care. The Governor’s plan will put dollars back in the pockets of families and strengthen maternal health care in our borough. It’s real help for moms, babies, and families, and I’m grateful for her commitment to the Bronx.”
State Senator Gustavo Rivera noted: “Governor Hochul is providing much needed relief to countless New York families deeply affected by the affordability crisis. From the expansion of the child tax credit to the BABY Benefit for eligible new families, it is a sound investment in our State’s future to support and uplift families. I’m thankful to the Governor for the $5 million to build a new maternal health care center in the Bronx, where soon-to-be moms will be able to receive affordable care before, during and after birth, including the opportunity of giving birth in a safe, home-like setting.”
Other lawmakers echoed similar sentiments about how these measures address longstanding challenges related to affordability as well as racial disparities within maternal healthcare outcomes—particularly noting higher rates among Black women compared with citywide averages.
The Maryam Reproductive Health + Wellness center currently provides comprehensive gynecological services including reproductive health counseling; lactation support; STI testing; breast evaluations; menopause management; mental health support; pelvic floor therapy; lifestyle counseling; family planning; community workshops; all aimed at enhancing overall well-being.
Recent efforts by state officials include releasing New York’s first-ever report on maternal mental health issues along with funding programs supporting behavioral healthcare integration into OBGYN practices statewide.
In 2022 Medicaid coverage was extended from 60 days postpartum up until one year regardless of immigration status while Medicaid enrollees now have coverage options that include doula services throughout pregnancy stages thanks also partly due creation both directory grant program supporting doulas statewide.
New York became first state nationwide offering paid prenatal leave beginning January 2025—20 hours available annually private sector employees needing pregnancy-related medical appointments or procedures.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson remarked on how preventable deaths among mothers have disproportionately affected local communities due partly generational inequalities limited access quality healthcare resources stating recent funding marks significant step forward ongoing advocacy efforts focused ending local maternal mortality crisis.
Myla Flores from The Birthing Place Foundation concluded: “Investing in maternal health is one of the most powerful commitments we can make to well-being our communities…ensuring all parents have access dignified safe supportive culturally responsive care.”
