New York State is now offering select new moms a $1,800 birth allowance.

Back in May, when New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the $254 billion New York State budget into law, she not only signed the largest state budget ever, but she also signed into law a new birth allowance that awards new mothers a $1,800 birth allowance.

New York’s New $1,800 Baby Benefit

CanvaBaby Birth Allowance in New York

The Birth Allowance for Beginning Year (BABY) benefit, which was included in the new budget, set $8.5 million to provide a one-time benefit of $1,800 to new mothers in New York who get public assistance when they have a new baby. The new benefit is designed to help new mothers with birth-related expenses and ease the financial stress that can come with caring for a new baby, according to Syracuse.

How to Get $1,800 Baby Benefit in New York

To be eligible for the one-time $1,800 BABY benefit, which began on November 5th, 2025, an individual or family must be currently receiving public assistance, also known as temporary assistance, or have an existing public assistance case when the new baby is born. Temporary assistance provides money to help cover the expenses of New Yorkers who are unable to work, can’t find a job, or have a job that doesn’t pay enough.

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There are NO applications or forms to complete. Any New Yorker on public assistance will automatically get the new benefit when a newborn is added to an existing assistance case. Folks interested in applying for public assistance can do so online here.

Outdoors in New York

CanvaNew York: Best Place to Start a Family?

During Gov. Hochul’s State of the State address earlier this year, she announced new initiatives to make New York the best, most affordable place to start a family. These initiatives include expanding infertility coverage for people wanting to start a family, providing significant financial support for parents during pregnancy and at birth, an expansion of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and more.

“As New York’s first mom Governor, I know firsthand how tough it is to raise a family,” Governor Hochul said. “We are prioritizing maternal and infant health, because every family deserves a stress-free start. We have a moral obligation to do everything in our power to support kids, parents and families — making New York the best place on Earth to raise a family.”

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