Family, Children & Caregiving · Surprise rank #192
Get Free Developmental Therapy for a Child Under 3—No Income Test
Early Intervention covers approved evaluation and therapy services without charging parents copays or deductibles.
Who
Children under age three with an eligible developmental delay or diagnosed condition.
Where: Statewide through NYC or county Early Intervention officials.
What to do
Start here: Call NYC 311 or the county Early Intervention Official to request a referral.
Eligibility: Child must meet age and developmental eligibility criteria; insurance may be billed but parents are not charged deductibles or copays for EI services.
What you get
Eligible infants and toddlers can receive developmental evaluation and early-intervention services without parent copays or deductibles, regardless of family income.
Benefit: Evaluation, service coordination and approved developmental therapies for eligible children under three.
Possible value: Often thousands to tens of thousands of dollars in therapy and evaluation value.
Good to know
Important: Services depend on an evaluation and Individualized Family Service Plan; provider capacity can delay starts.
Availability: Year-round; act promptly because eligibility ends at age three.
Why people miss it: Parents may assume they need Medicaid, a low income or a doctor's referral.
Sources reviewed: Aug 2, 2026