New York has a new $1,800 birth allowance that officials say will help boost the health of new moms and babies.
The state Legislature passed the benefit earlier in 2025 as part of the budget process. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed it into law in May.
It’s known as the Birth Allowance for Beginning Year (BABY) Benefit.
The budget set aside $8.5 million for the program, which will provide a one-time benefit of $1,800 to New Yorkers who get public assistance when they have a new baby.
The money is meant to help defray birth-related expenses and ease the financial stress that can come with caring for a new baby, according to Hochul’s office.
Here’s what you need to know about the program and how to get the benefit, according to the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance:
To be eligible for the benefit, an individual or family must have an existing Public Assistance case and be actively receiving Public Assistance, also know as Temporary Assistance, when a new baby is born.New Yorkers on Public Assistance will automatically get the new benefit when a newborn is added to an existing assistance case.There is no separate application or form to complete.The program went into effect Nov. 5.Temporary Assistance aids adults and children, according to the state. It’s meant to help cover expenses for people who are unable to work, can’t find a job or have a job that doesn’t pay enough.Information on eligibility for Public Assistance is available online.You can apply for Public Assistance online or by visiting a local department of social services.
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