Happy August, Moms!

As you may be preparing to get the kiddos back in school or advancing your educational or professional career, we are so excited to bring some news you can use about Child Tax Credit Payments. Thank you so much for reading our newsletter. Please continue to be safe!

The American Rescue Plan enacted in March included an expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) for tax year 2021. The IRS recently announced that qualifying individuals and families can receive half of the tax credit in the form of monthly advance payments through December 15 of this year. Recipients would be able to claim the other half of the credit when filing their 2021 income tax return.

Qualifying individuals and families have the option to "opt out" of the advance monthly payments and instead receive the full credit at tax time.

You can find more details, including qualifications and how to opt out of the advance payments, at IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021.

Getting your Child Tax Credit Advance Payments

If you qualify for the Child Tax Credit and don't opt out of receiving advance monthly payments, you will receive your advance payments on or around the 15th of each month from July to December 2021. Payments will be delivered either by direct deposit1 to the Regions account or other bank account you provided to the IRS when you last filed your tax return, or in the form of a check to the mailing address that the IRS has on file. Please visit the Child Tax Credit page to find out how to provide your bank account information to the IRS if you haven't already done so, plus ways you can deposit1 or cash a CTC check* for quick access to funds.

Features of the Child Tax Credit payments

If you're interested in learning the details about CTC payments, we encourage you to visit these pages at the IRS website: 

• Find out if you qualify for an advance CTC payment using the IRS Advance CTC Eligibility Assistant.
• IRS resources and guidance regarding the CTC and advance payments.
• IRS FAQs regarding the CTC and advance payments.

Click here to learn how to update your direct deposit information with the IRS.

Save The Date!

We look forward to introducing you to some of our amazing mothers who, with the help of our outstanding case managers, are taking control of their lives and moving to the next level. Meet them all during our Part II: Moms Inspiring Moms Spotlight on August 26 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom or on our Facebook page.

Zoom link: http://bit.ly/EESM_MomsInspiringMoms2

Help for Single Moms!

Your participation in the Employment Equity for Single Moms program can help you connect to resources and opportunities to build a better life for you and your children. The EESM team of case managers will work in partnership with you to develop a plan of action that leads to higher wages. Ask the case manager assigned to your county of residence about training for occupations and careers that pay a living wage. 

Visit the Employment Equity for Single Moms webpage by clicking on the button below to learn more!