Iowa’s Third Congressional District Representative Cindy Axne helped pass an expanded Child Tax Credit through the American Rescue Plan. 

Axne says the American Rescue Plan was passed in March and it includes an increase of the Child Tax Credit to $3,000 per child 6-17 years-old or $3,600 for children five and younger. Axne says it also made families with those who are 17 eligible as well and it began earlier this month. 

“The families who have 17-year-olds know that they are no less expensive than a three-year-old. The best thing that it did, it made it more payable and more frequent in advance. So, what’s happening is people are able to get a monthly payment, $300 per child, starting July 15th and get the money upfront opposed to seeing it as a tax write off at the backend.”

Axne tells Raccoon Valley Radio she has heard from multiple families who shared their thoughts including appreciating the ability to get the money now rather than waiting for it. Axne says this money will help working families. 

“Any parent out there listening to this knows right now exactly what I know that burdens that working families face when balancing one or maybe even two jobs and caring for their children is pretty extensive, and the Child Tax Credit will help cover the cost from childcare to back to school supplies.”

For more information on the expanded Child Tax Credit you can go here.