Family, Children & Caregiving · Surprise rank #25
On Public Assistance? New York Can Pay Up to $400 a Year Toward Your Child's Camp Fees
New York's Public Assistance regulations allow camp fees for children receiving Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance when funds cannot be obtained elsewhere.
Who
Children receiving Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance whose camp costs cannot be covered from another source.
What to do
Start here: Ask the household's local social services worker about the 18 NYCRR §352.7(i) camp-fee allowance before paying the camp.
Eligibility: The child must be receiving Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance and the camp fee must not be obtainable from another source.
What you get
Payment of eligible camp fees for a child receiving Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance.
Benefit: Up to $400 per child per year, with no more than $200 per week under the current regulation text.
Possible value: Up to $400 per child per year.
Good to know
Important: The allowance is capped and is a last-source benefit; other available funding must be explored first.
Availability: Active; seasonal use
Why people miss it: It is a small line item inside the Public Assistance standards rather than a separately advertised summer program.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026