In New Video, Underwood Highlights Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments Starting July 15; Shares Stories of North Aurora and Hinckley Parents Who Will Soon Benefit from Expanded Child Tax Credit
WEST CHICAGO— Recently, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) continued to highlight how the American Rescue Plan is delivering for Illinois families through the Child Tax Credit. The American Rescue Plan expanded the Child Tax Credit (CTC) by increasing the tax credit amount for eligible families to $3,000 per child and $3,600 per child under age 6 and delivering these tax credits via monthly payments. Beginning July 15, 43,100 households, covering 74.6% of all children in Illinois's 14th District, will be eligible to receive up to $300 per month, per child, through December. Nearly all families should get their monthly payments automatically, with no further action required.
Underwood's new video on the Child Tax Credit can be foundhere.
Underwood held a press conference with Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06) and Bill Foster (IL-11) to discuss the benefit and share how Illinois families who don't file taxes can sign up via ChildTaxCredit.gov to ensure they receive the tax credit payments. Underwood was joined by Dana Merk, a parent from North Aurora, and Courtney Hill, a parent from Hinckley, who shared how the pandemic has impacted their families and how the increased Child Tax Credit will help them pay for essentials.
"More relief is coming to Illinois families to help boost our economy and recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Starting in July, Child Tax Credits will be made available to parents of over 140,000 children in our community. This life-changing credit will provide critical relief to nearly 75% of children in the 14th District. More money in the pockets of northern Illinois parents means more money for day camp, childcare, groceries, even family vacations or fun summer activities. If you haven't already, I encourage parents to be on the lookout for payments starting July 15, and if you don't file taxes or didn't receive a stimulus check, sign up for the child tax credit at ChildTaxCredit.gov today," said Underwood.
"Today, we feel incredibly grateful to be vaccinated and hopefully nearing an end to this year plus of profound loss. The Child Tax Credit is instrumental in our feeling of hopefulness. To know we can work hard, be able to care for our two sons, and not have to worry as much financially is a gift. We can save for our boys' futures and figure out what this new life after COVID19 will look like for our family. This credit makes us feel supported and lifted up after a challenging year. We're able to repay ourselves after a costly adoption process and unpaid maternity leave. This financial peace of mind allows us to be more present and focus on building memories with our boys," said Dana Merk, 14th District mother from North Aurora.
"As a parent to four young children, the Child Tax Credit will be a huge help to our high daycare costs. My husband and I both work full time, and currently 30% of my net pay goes towards paying for daycare for one of my children. In a few months, that will change, and nearly 60% of my net pay will be put towards the cost of child care. The increased child tax credit payments that Congresswoman Underwood supported will provide a relief to working parents like myself, who often ask themselves "is it even worth it for me to work?" I love my job, and I want to work, and I want to have a career and not have the cost of childcare influence my professional opportunities. So, I want to thank all three of the U.S. Representatives here today for their support of families like mine who will greatly benefit from," said Courtney Hill, 14th District mother from Hinckley.
"The child taxes credit is a step in the right direction to begin to address childhood poverty in a significant way," said Shelley Bromberek-Lambert, Chief Reimagination Officer at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.
"As a single mother I have worked in the same family owned restaurant for 19 years and my heart was breaking not knowing what the future held for myself, my daughter, or the restaurant which has come to be my second family over the years. In the past year and a half, my income has fluctuated greatly due to the economic circumstances for those in the service industry. I went from making a stable income to not knowing if I was going to have the money to pay all of the bills. The Child Tax Credit will be essential for helping families like mine recover," said Colleen Zavodny, a mother from Woodridge.
In Illinois's 14th District:
- It is estimated that the expanded credit will cut child poverty in half, lifting 5,400 kids in the 14th District out of poverty and benefiting thousands more.
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