Finding affordable, high-quality childcare in New York City can feel overwhelming. For eligible families, two critical city-administered programs can make all the difference: the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Child Care Voucher and the Human Resources Administration (HRA) Child Care Voucher.
While both aim to help low-income families, they have different eligibility paths and structures. This guide breaks them down simply, so you can understand which might be right for your family.
First, the Core Similarity: What These Vouchers Do
Both ACS and HRA vouchers provide subsidies to help cover the cost of childcare at NYC-licensed or permitted group daycares, family daycares, or with enrolled legally-exempt providers (like some family members or neighbors). You are not limited to a list of “city centers”—you can choose any eligible provider that accepts vouchers and has an open slot.
The subsidy is paid directly to the childcare provider on your behalf. You may be responsible for a co-payment based on your family’s income and size, which you pay directly to the provider.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | ACS Child Care Voucher | HRA Child Care Voucher |
| Primary Purpose | To support child welfare and family stability. Often tied to child protective or preventive services. | To support parental employment or approved work-related activities (like job training). |
| Main Eligibility Pathway | 1. Family is involved with ACS (child welfare case).2. Receiving Preventive Services through an ACS-contracted agency.3. Teen parent in high school/alternative program.4. Experiencing homelessness (through DHS). | 1. Receiving Cash Assistance (CA).2. Transitioning off CA (for up to 12 months).3. Participating in an HRA-approved work program (like WEP).4. Low-income and working, meeting income guidelines. |
| Income Guidelines | Not the primary factor; eligibility is based on ACS involvement or specific categories above. | Strictly based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Must be at or below a certain income threshold for family size. |
| Administering Office | ACS’s Office of Child Support and Cash Prevention (OCSCP). | HRA’s Office of Child Support Services (OCSS). |
| Parent Co-Payment | Typically a very low, fixed co-pay (e.g., $1 per day) or none, depending on circumstances. | Co-pay is determined on a sliding scale based on income and family size. |
The ACS Child Care Voucher: A Closer Look
This program is deeply tied to the child welfare system but serves as a crucial support to keep families together and children safe.
Who is it for?
- Families with an open ACS case where childcare is part of the safety plan.
- Families receiving Preventive Services (voluntary or court-ordered family support services to prevent foster care placement).
- Adolescent parents attending high school or an approved educational program.
- Families in homeless shelters (Department of Homeless Services).
How to Access:
Access is typically coordinated through your ACS caseworker or Preventive Services case planner. They will help determine your need, complete the necessary referral (CFS-495 form), and connect you with a Child Care Facilitated Enrollment (FE) agency to process the voucher and help find a provider.
The HRA Child Care Voucher: A Closer Look
This program functions more as a work support, helping parents maintain employment or training that leads to a job.
Who is it for?
- Cash Assistance Recipients: If you receive CA and are working, in an approved work program, or in school/job training.
- Transitional Child Care: If your family has recently left CA due to increased earnings, you may qualify for 12 months of continued childcare assistance.
- Low-Income Working Families: Even if you don’t receive CA, you may qualify if you are working, meet income limits, and need childcare for children under 13 (or under 18 with special needs).
Income Eligibility (Approximate – Always verify with HRA):
Eligibility is typically for families with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For example, for a family of three, this was roughly an annual income of $46,060 in 2024. Exact figures change yearly.
How to Apply for HRA Vouchers:
- Apply Online: Start at the ACCESS HRA portal (access.nyc.gov).
- In Person: Visit an HRA Job Center. Use the NYC.gov HRA Locator to find one.
- Through a Facilitator: Contact a Child Care Facilitated Enrollment (FE) agency in your borough. They can help you check eligibility, complete applications, and find a provider.
Your Action Plan: Steps to Take
- Determine Your Likely Pathway: Are you involved with ACS or Preventive Services? Do you receive Cash Assistance or have a low income with a work/training requirement?
- Gather Documents: Have ready proof of identity (for you and your child), residence in NYC, income (pay stubs, award letters), and work schedule/training program information.
- Get Help from an Expert: Facilitated Enrollment (FE) Agencies are your best point of contact. They are non-profits contracted by the city to help parents navigate this process for both ACS and HRA vouchers.
- Find an FE agency near you by calling 311 or searching “NYC Child Care Facilitated Enrollment” online.
- Start Your Provider Search: While applying, begin contacting licensed daycares or family daycares to ask: “Do you accept ACS/HRA childcare vouchers, and do you have an opening for my child’s age?” The NYC Child Care Connect website can help you find licensed providers.
Important Tips & Reminders
- Waiting Lists Exist: Eligibility does not guarantee an immediate slot. Popular providers have waitlists. Apply for the voucher and search for a provider simultaneously.
- Communicate Changes: You must report any changes in income, job status, address, or family size to your caseworker or FE agency immediately.
- Your Right to Choose: You have the right to choose any legally operating provider that accepts vouchers. You are not required to use a specific city-run center.
- Persistence Pays: The system can be complex. Be polite but persistent. Keep records of all applications and correspondence. If you need help, contact your City Council Member’s office—they often have constituent services to help navigate city agencies.
Navigating these programs takes effort, but the result—safe, stable, and affordable childcare for your child—is foundational for your family’s well-being and future. Start the process today