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

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