Childcare Assistance Income Standards Increase on 8/1

Families earning below 300% of poverty level will be eligible

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) –  Broome County officials were joined by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo Monday to remind residents that they may soon be eligible for help paying for childcare. As part of the 2022-23 NYS Budget, families earning below 300% of the federal poverty level will qualify for assistance beginning August 1^st. Previously, the income standard set by the State for childcare subsidies was 200%. Assistance will be administered by the Broome County Department of Social Services and applications will be accepted starting this Tuesday, July 5^th.

“It’s simple: a strong childcare system helps create a strong economy,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “People can’t go to work if they don’t have a quality, safe place to send their children. As more people look to return to an office setting following two years of working from home and others re-enter the workforce, we need to do all we can to make sure they have access to childcare. I’d like to thank Assemblywoman Lupardo and other State leaders who have championed this issue for years.”

“After years of advocacy, we allocated an historic $7 billion for childcare in this year’s state budget," said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. "By expanding the eligibility for who can receive assistance, thousands of families across the state can now receive help paying for child care. By making child care more affordable, many will finally be able to return to the workforce where they are needed.  If you think you may be eligible under the new guidelines, please contact Broome County for more information.”

The chart below outlines the income requirements for the updated childcare assistance program. Questions may be referred to the Broome County Department of Social Services.

*For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,720 for each additional person.