Advance Child Tax Credit payments that distributed monthly cash payments for children were associated with a 26% reduction in food insufficiency in households with children. After the advance CTC expired in February, there was a 12% increase in food insufficiency in households with children.

Conclusions

• The pandemic and inflation continue to cause economic hardship, including due to missed work.
• CTC monthly payments were associated with reduced food insufficiency among families with children, averting hardship that may have lifelong effects on children’s health, education, and well-being.
• This research supports extension of the advance CTC payments as an evidence-based policy for reducing food insufficiency, supporting child health, education, and contributions to society.
• There is an urgent need to restart the expanded CTC monthly payments to families.