House Democrats are set to introduce legislation to increase the Child Tax Credit to $3,000 per child in the form of monthly direct payments to American families, according to multiple reports.
According to The Washington Post, the legislation would provide $3,600 over the course of the year per child under the age of 6, or $300 per month. For children ages 6 to 17, it would be $3,000 per child or $250 per month.
The current standard Child Tax Credit of $2,000 per child comes after parents file their returns in April.
“As Chairman @RepRichardNeal said, this money is going to be the difference in a roof over someone’s head or food on their table. Families are hurting, and Ways & Means Democrats are working hard to get them the relief they need as fast as possible,” said the House Ways and Means Committee on Twitter.
The increase is part of President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 relief bill, aimed at helping tackle child poverty.
If Congress passes the legislation, the payments would begin in July for one year. A delay intended to give the IRS time to prepare for the massive new initiative.