COVID Relief Package Could Help Tens Of Thousands Of Ohio Kids In Poverty

Experts say a component of the newly signed federal COVID relief package could lift millions of children out of poverty. The American Rescue Plan puts more money in the Child Tax Credit, which now sits at $2,000 for each kid.

For each child under six, the credit goes to $3,600. For kids up to 17, it’s $3,000 each. That's for single parents making under $75,000 and joint filers under $150,000 a year.

For some families, half will be paid in monthly checks later this year, no later than July. And the credit is refundable - meaning taxpayers who don't owe taxes might still get the credit.

John Corlett with the Center for Community Solutions said it’ll have the most profound effect on low-income families since the War on Poverty in the mid-60s.

“It’s projected to cut child poverty in half in Ohio," Corlett said. "So that could be anywhere between 132,000 and 150,000 children will see their position in life improved and their families’ improved.”

The COVID relief package also includes utility and child care assistance, which Corlett said will also help families with those expenses.

Corlett noted the tax credit expansion is only for a year, but said he’s hopeful seeing the impact on kids’ wellbeing will lead to an extension.

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