New York grants
& benefits: Essential Plan, EPIC and HEAP.
New York runs two health programs of its own, the Essential Plan and EPIC, alongside Medicaid, and pays a refundable child credit through the state income tax return.
By Subha, Public Benefits Writer · Verified
State
New York (NY)
Capital
Albany
Main benefits portal
MyBenefits NYKFF lists New York as adopting the ACA Medicaid expansion on January 1, 2014. NY State of Health, the state's health plan marketplace, also enrolls people in the Essential Plan all year.
Food, cash and heating help come from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and local departments of social services. OTDA's hotline is 1-800-342-3009.
Two more programs reach New Yorkers through other doors: EPIC through the Department of Health, and the Empire State Child Credit through the state income tax return.
The Essential Plan, for adults just above Medicaid
The Essential Plan has $0 monthly premiums and no deductible, and it covers dental and vision. It is for New Yorkers 19 to 64 who are lawfully present and not eligible for Medicaid, Child Health Plus or job-based coverage.
For 2026, a single person can earn up to $31,920 and a family of four up to $66,000. You can enroll any time online or at 1-855-355-5777. NY State of Health posted eligibility changes as of July 2026, so read those first.
How EPIC trims Part D drug costs
EPIC is a Department of Health program that helps more than 325,000 seniors 65 and older with out-of-pocket Medicare Part D costs. You must be in a Part D plan or eligible to join one, and you can apply any time of year.
The Fee Plan covers incomes up to $20,000 single or $26,000 married. The Deductible Plan reaches $75,000 single or $100,000 married. EPIC also pays Part D premiums for members with income up to $23,000 single or $29,000 married.
No documents are needed to apply. EPIC checks your details with the Social Security Administration and the state tax department. For broader Medicare questions, the EPIC page points to HIICAP counseling.
Source: NYS Department of Health: EPIC
A bigger Empire State Child Credit
Starting with tax year 2025, New York pays $1,000 for each child under 4 and $330 for each child aged 4 to 16. For 2026 returns filed in 2027, the amount for children 4 to 16 rises to $500.
The credit is refundable and is claimed on Form IT-213 by full-year residents. It shrinks by $16.50 for every $1,000 of federal AGI above $110,000 for joint filers or $75,000 for single and head of household filers.
Winter heating help through OTDA
OTDA runs HEAP with local departments of social services. Households on SNAP, federally funded Temporary Assistance or Code A SSI also qualify.
Benefit dates, payment amounts and county offices are in our New York HEAP guide.
Explore New York program guides
New York agency links
Helpful reading for New York residents
SNAP Benefits by State 2026-27: Averages, Max + EBT Cards
SNAP benefits vary in three important ways from state to state. The first is the maximum allotment, fixed at $808 for a family of three in the 48 contiguous states and DC.
How Much Does TANF Pay in 2026? Payments and Income Limits by State
TANF pays by family size: a parent and one child can get up to $235 a month in Georgia and $331 in Texas. See 2026 maximum payments and income limits for all 50 states and DC.
LIHEAP Application Status: How to Check It Online in Your State (2026-27)
How to check your LIHEAP application status online or by phone, with official status links for 25 states, what each status means, and what to do if your application is stuck.
New York assistance questions
There is no monthly premium at any income. People earning $23,940 or less pay $0 for a doctor visit, while those earning $23,941 to $31,920 pay small copays, such as $15 for a primary care visit.
Yes. NY State of Health enrolls people in the Essential Plan all year. Apply online or call 1-855-355-5777.
No. EPIC asks for no documents. It verifies your information with the Social Security Administration and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. You can mail or fax the application or apply online.
$1,000 for each qualifying child under 4, for both the 2025 and 2026 tax years. It is a refundable credit claimed on Form IT-213.
The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, working with local departments of social services. OTDA's hotline is 1-800-342-3009.
Sources
Independent information for your research
GrantsHubUSA is not a government agency and does not process benefit applications. Confirm requirements with the official New York sources.