NY 529 Help Center
Your Top Questions, Answered.
Have questions? So do others. Check out our frequently asked questions to learn more about opening an account, making withdrawals, financial aid, and more.
See all FAQsWho can open a Direct Plan account?
Almost anyone! There are no age or income restrictions, and you don’t have to be a resident of New York.
Learn more
When can I change my investment options?
You can change the investments for your future contributions at any time!
Learn more
Do I have to use my savings at a New York college or university?
The money in your account may be used at any eligible higher education institution in the United States and abroad that qualifies under federal guidelines as well as for certain apprenticeship program expenses and credentialing expenses.
Learn more
What are the estate tax benefits of a 529?
Money you contribute to a 529 account is generally treated as a completed gift to your beneficiary, but as the account owner, you'll still have control over it.
Learn more
What if I move to another state?
You can maintain your account and continue to make contributions no matter where you live in the United States.
Learn more
Can I open an account for an unborn child?
You could open an account naming yourself as the beneficiary and then change the beneficiary of the account to the child when he or she is born.
Learn more
Access The Forms You Need to Manage Your NY 529 Account
We have forms available to help you handle common Direct Plan transactions.
View Forms
Learn How to Save More with an NY 529 Webinar
It’s never too early to start saving. Join us to learn how flexible contributions to an NY 529 account can help you save for college and beyond.
Save My SpotInsights and information to guide your journey.
View All
Gifts to an NY 529 won’t lose their shine.
If you’re lucky enough to have family members who tend to write checks or send gift cards on holidays and special occasions, you may want to talk to them about how they can have an even bigger impact on your child’s future.
NY 529 Direct Plan can make saving for college easier - even when money is tight.
When the market is going up and down, and you’re wondering what that means for your budget, it is tempting to put off saving for college. Of course you want the best for your children, but it’s hard to save for future plans when current needs are so pressing.
What college really costs–and how much should you save?
There’s no getting around it. College is expensive. It may, however, cost less than you think.
Helpful links to plan, save, and pay for college.
529 research
College Savings Plans Network
Compare 529 plans by state or feature, or check out a guide on getting started.
Compare 529 plans529 research
Ascensus
Find out more about Ascensus and the 529 plans that it administers. You can also take Learn 529, an online learning experience.
Learn about AscensusNY organizations and schools
Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
This state agency administers New York State’s college financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs.
Learn more about HESCCollege admissions
The College Board
Get help preparing for higher education, with information on admissions, assessments, financial aid, and enrollment.
Get help preparing for collegeCollege admissions
FinAid
Learn all about financial aid. This site also includes application information, frequently asked questions, calculators, and more.
Learn about financial aidFederal Student Aid
U.S. Department of Education
Learn about the federal financial aid process, and find the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which must be completed in order to qualify for federal financial aid.
Find out about federal financial aidFederal school
Federal school code search
Find the colleges and universities that are eligible schools under 529 plan rules.
Find a college or universityNY organizations and schools
New York State Office of Higher Education (NYSOHE)
This agency coordinates New York State's higher-education system and collects and publishes information on the quality and status of higher education in the state.
Learn more about the Office of Higher EducationNY organizations and schools
The State University of New York (SUNY)
SUNY is the nation's largest comprehensive state university system, with 64 campuses throughout New York State. It offers more than 7,000 degree and certificate programs and nearly 2 million workforce and professional development programs.
Find out more about SUNYNY organizations and schools
The City University of New York (CUNY)
CUNY is the nation's largest urban university. It has 11 senior colleges, 7 community colleges, an honors college, and 5 graduate and professional schools.
Find out more about CUNYNY organizations and schools
New York's Private Colleges & Universities
This site features more than 100 private colleges in New York State offering many diverse areas of academic study. You'll find profiles on each of the schools, details on open house events, and information about financial aid.
Find out about New York's private colleges and universitiesNY organizations and schools
Association of Proprietary Colleges (APC)
This organization represents 16 New York State higher-education institutions, with 28 campuses across the state. Together, they serve more than 40,000 students.
Learn more about APC
Have questions? We’re here to help.
Whether you’re just getting started or need guidance on your existing plan, our education savings specialists are ready to help. Reach out by phone, email, or mail—we’re here to make saving simpler.
Email Us:
Reach Us by Mail:
U.S. MailNew York's 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan
P.O. Box 55440
Boston, MA 02205-8323Registered, Certified, or Overnight Mail
New York's 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan
95 Wells Avenue, Suite 155
Newton, MA 02459-3204
Email us: employer@nysaves.org
Event request: Complete the Event Request Form
For New York employers:
Find out more about what NY’s 529 Direct Plan can offer you and your employees. Call us at 800-420-8580 on business days between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Email us: employer@nysaves.org
Event request: Complete the Event Request Form
Please note, we are unable to provide account-specific information or process monetary or clerical transactions via email. For assistance with these items, please log in to your account or call 877-NYSAVES (877-697-2837). For your protection, please do not include your account number or any personally identifiable information in your email, as this is not a secure channel. You may review other ways to safeguard your own information by clicking the Security link at the bottom of this page.