New York Will Double Cash Payments to Families With Children

• Empire State Child Credit nearly doubled
• Direct cash payments
• Benefit for families

Thousands of families in New York State could receive more cash during the next tax season.

The announcement was made by Governor Kathy Hochul when she presented a historic expansion of the Empire State Child Credit.

This state child tax credit will significantly increase financial support for households with children.

The Empire State Child Credit expands in New York

The measure will apply during the 2026 tax season, according to Univision.

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It corresponds to the 2025 tax year, as reported by state authorities.

According to official data, the benefit will nearly double compared to the current amount.

The average credit will increase from $472 to $943 per family.

The goal is to raise disposable income for families with children.

It also aims to provide direct financial relief amid the high cost of living.

The expansion was presented as one of the most significant in the program’s history.

How much money can families receive?

CHILD TAX CREDIT: Gov. Kathy Hochul announced an expanded child tax credit for New York families. The expansion boosts credit up to $1,000 per child under 4 and $300 per child ages 4 to 16.

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— News 12 New York (@News12) January 27, 2026

With the expansion of the Empire State Child Credit, amounts vary based on the child’s age.

Eligible families will be able to receive up to $1,000 for each child under the age of 4.

For children between ages 4 and 16, the credit will be $330 per child.

These amounts apply during the tax season corresponding to the 2025 tax year.

State authorities also announced changes for the following tax year.

For tax year 2026, the credit for children ages 4 to 16 will increase to $500 per child.

The amount for children under age 4 will remain at $1,000 per child.

Unlike other tax benefits, this credit is fully refundable.

This means families can receive the full amount of the benefit.

Even if they do not owe state taxes, the money is issued as a refund.

In practice, this functions as direct cash deposited or mailed to families.

Who qualifies and how to apply?

To receive the maximum credit amount, families must meet certain requirements.

First, they must have been residents of New York State for the entire tax year.

They must also have at least one eligible child under the age of 17.

Both the adult and the child must file taxes using a Social Security number or an ITIN.

In addition, families must meet specific annual income limits.

For married couples filing separately, the limit is $55,000.

For single filers, heads of household, or widows/widowers, the limit is $75,000.

For married couples filing jointly, the income cap is $110,000.

To claim the credit, families must submit Form IT-213.

This form corresponds to the Empire State Child Credit.

It must be filed along with the New York State tax return.

If the credit exceeds the taxes owed, the difference is automatically refunded.

Experts and state officials estimate that this expansion could reduce child poverty.

According to projections, the impact could exceed an 8% reduction statewide.

The core objective is to place resources directly into the hands of families with children.