NEW YORK (WETM) – Key workers in New York will soon be able to apply for childcare grants under a $ 25 million plan designed by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Childcare costs are paid for key employees whose income is less than 300 percent of the state poverty line (or $ 79,500 for a family of four) and are paid for children aged six weeks to 12 years up to the statewide market rate for each region year. Families who are currently receiving childcare grants under the Coronavirus Relief, Aid and Economic Security Act are urgently encouraged to apply for this new funding option as well. The CARES childcare grant ends June 28th and those currently receiving a CARES grant will need to reapply.

Workers in need can use the funds to pay for their existing care facility or a new childcare provider.

The key workforce includes first responders such as healthcare providers, pharmaceutical workers, law enforcement agencies, firefighters, transportation workers, grocery suppliers, grocery store workers, and others. The governor says this is the first in a series of new investments to support working families and the childcare industry through the state’s Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act.

“Indispensable workers have always been the backbone of our economy, getting us through the darkest hours of the pandemic and playing a vital role in our reopening and recovery,” said Governor Cuomo. “These people went to work so others could stay home and we must continue to support them in any way we can. We pride ourselves on making these childcare grants available to our key employees, giving them peace of mind that their children are safe so they can keep showing up to work every day and supporting their families. “

Parents can apply for funding through a single online application, and providers are paid directly on parents’ behalf. The online application can be submitted from June 23, 2021 until the funds are used up. Applications are processed and awarded according to the first-come-first-served principle. For more information and to apply for funding, please click here.

Workers in need of childcare can contact their local childcare and placement agency to find vacancies. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services will manage the funding.