Help is here. This week, many Americans received their direct payments of $1,400 from the American Rescue Plan passed by the U.S. Congress on March 10th to provide relief to struggling Americans during the pandemic. If you aren’t sure if you will be receiving one, you can check your status here.  

The American Rescue Plan also expanded the Child Tax Credit.  A portion of the expanded Child Tax Credit will begin being distributed monthly in the second half of this year. Families with children under 6 will receive an increased credit, totaling $3,600 per child. Families with children ages 6-17 will receive a total credit of $3,000 per child. Families will receive the rest when filing 2021 taxes in 2022. Individuals who make up to $75,000 a year or joint filers making up to $150,000 a year qualify for the full amount of the tax credit. From there, the credit will be reduced. 

In addition, the legislation extends unemployment benefits through September 6th including the additional $300 a week federal supplement, and benefits for self-employed individuals. Finally, the legislation exempts the first $10,200 of unemployment insurance payments from income tax.  

As this relief is being distributed, I want to hear from you. How has the American Rescue Plan helped or will help you? Please share your story here.  

Regards,

John B. Larson
Member of Congress