The law provides up to $500 per year for each youngster under the age of 6 years old. However, the original measure would not have taken effect until the 2023 tax year — meaning they would not be available for taxpayers until 2024.

While federal and state subsidies have helped families cover costs in the past year, those funds amounted to a band-aid. As for caregivers, they're struggling to retain employees.

The Rutgers report found that nearly half of those eligible in the state didn't receive advance payments, which has Rutgers Center for Women and Work Executive Director Debra Lancaster worried that thousands are leaving money on the table as the April 18 tax filing deadline draws nearer.