LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner said today that most families served by the school district qualify for the federal Child Tax Credit.
"More than 80% of the families we serve, as well as a considerable number of Los Angeles Unified employees, are eligible to receive money under this program," Beutner said. "We want to help the half-million families we serve receive the Child Tax Credit, which can provide them with up to $3,600 per child to help them make ends meet."
President Biden's American Rescue Plan increased the amount of the 2021 Child Tax Credit to support eligible families with children to $3,000 per child 6 to 17 years old and $3,600 per child under 6, beginning July 15. The payments are distributed in monthly installments.
"We're in regular dialogue with the largest group of families in the Los Angeles area who qualify to receive money under this program," Beutner said. "It makes sense to try to tie the pieces together at schools to make sure the families we serve receive the benefits they're entitled to."
Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles, also was raising awareness this week about the Child Tax Credit, calling the program a "truly transformative policy achievement within the American Rescue Plan."
"The past year was hard on all of us, but especially so for children and their working-class families," the congressman said. "While we're hopeful we've moved past the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of my low-income constituents continue to struggle to pay the bills and keep a roof over their head. But come July 15, millions of American families are going to get more help with payments through the enhanced Child Tax Credit."