Stronger Start for Working Families Act

Key Points

• This bill, introduced by Senators Hassan and Young, aims to make it easier for low-income families to get money back from the Child Tax Credit. Currently, families must earn at least $3,000 in a year before they can start receiving the 'refundable' part of this credit.
• The proposal would lower that income requirement from $3,000 down to just $1. This means almost any working parent, even those with very low part-time earnings, could qualify for a portion of the credit to help pay for their children's needs.
• The 'refundable' part of the credit is important because it goes to families who do not owe much in federal income taxes. Instead of just reducing a tax bill, the government sends them the credit as a refund check to help with the costs of raising a child.
• If passed, these changes would start applying to the taxes people file for the year 2026. This would provide financial assistance to millions of the lowest-earning working families across the country.
• The goal of the policy is to reduce child poverty by ensuring that the families who need the most help are not left out of tax benefits simply because they do not earn enough money.