Parents are Spending New Child Benefit on Food, Education. But Will Congress Keep it?

Chalkbeat | Matt Barnum

Initial data suggests the expanded program has cut child poverty and child hunger substantially — although the impact would be greater if all eligible families were receiving the payments.

Earlier this year, Congress expanded the child tax credit, offering cash benefits to most households with children. Though the money has been distributed monthly by the IRS since July, not all families are receiving it. Many families are using the money for key needs, such as food and school supplies.

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