Vouchers are a subsidized child care payment method that allows parents to select a non-ACS center or non-ACS family child care home.
Child Care Vouchers
ACS is now accepting applications for child care vouchers for families across New York City. Child care vouchers are a government funded resource available to eligible families to partially or fully cover the cost of child care for children ages 6 weeks to 13 years old. Children with disabilities are also covered up to age 19. There are hundreds of home-based and center-based providers that accept childcare vouchers across NYC, who offer child care services in safe and positive learning environments.
Your family may qualify for child care assistance if your family's income falls below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level and you have an approved reason for seeking child care. This reason must be at least one of the following: you work 10+ hours per week; you are in an educational or vocational training program; you have been looking for work; you live in temporary housing; or you are attending services for domestic violence. Additionally, any child that needs care must have an eligible immigration status – for example, they are a United States citizen, have a green card, or are a refugee or asylee. The application does not require parents to give any information about their own immigration status.
If you meet that eligibility criteria, you can apply for child care now. Fill out an application form and submit with all other required documentation. Make sure to use the application checklist to ensure your application is complete before submitting. If eligible, you will be issued a voucher which you’ll complete and return to ACS so your child can be enrolled with your preferred child care provider.
You can get more information and assistance by phone.
Please note that ACS is no longer accepting the Voucher Waitlist Request Form. The current application process depends on your family's situation:
Families on the ACS Voucher Wait List
ACS has reached out to all families on the voucher waitlist, inviting them to apply for a child care voucher. If you received an invitation letter and application packet in the mail and are still interested in receiving child care, apply today.
Families Experiencing Homelessness
ACS is prioritizing eligible families living in a shelter or temporary housing. This includes families who may be sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason.
Fill out an application form and submit with all other required documentation to TemporaryHousingRA@acs.nyc.gov.
Families on Cash Assistance
If you are receiving Cash Assistance and are employed or engaging in work-related activities (required or voluntary), including those in school, you may be eligible for child care. Please contact your HRA Benefits Access Center apply. Learn more about applying for child care.
You can get more information and assistance by phone.