Families who qualify for the Child Tax Credit began to receive checks on July 15, 2021. Under President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the monies available to eligible families through the Child Tax Credit have increased substantially. In her article “Child Tax Credit 2021: Payment to be disbursed starting July 15- here’s when the money will land” CBS Business Reporter Aimee Picchi explained, “the expanded Child Tax Credit provides a $3,600 credit for each child under six years old and $3,000 for each child ages 6 to 17.” She noted that the monthly payments from July through December represent half of the total credit, explaining “For example, a family with one child under six years old will receive half of the $3,600 credit in cash or $1,800, which will be spilled into six monthly checks of $300 each.”
As we have noted before, the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated this country’s longstanding and chronic poverty pandemic. Persons and families living in poverty are most like to experience additional stressors, which can have long-term negative effects on their physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health. These monies available through the Child Tax Credit for low-income and struggling families will lift many out of poverty.
As advocates and concerned persons of children and families, it is our responsibility to let our local congregations and other constituents know about the timeframe for the Child Tax Credit payments for eligible families. It takes all of us to work together to change the trajectory of our most vulnerable children and their families. Contact your local church leaders, and community organizers to determine ways to get information out to eligible families about Child Tax Credit payments.
Beverly Dukes, Policy Coordinator
United Voices for Children
[1] Aimee Picchi, “Child Tax Credit 2021: Payments to be disbursed starting July 15-here’s when the money will land,” CBS NEWS, accessed July 13, 2021, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/child-tax-credit-2021-payments-july-15-2021-07-13/