Dec. 15 marked the final child tax credit payment for 2021, and possibly for good as Congress debates what to do in 2022.
There are other ways to get financial assistance, some before Christmas and other in 2022.
Either way, there are ways to get the extra cash you and your family may be eligible for at some point.
Related: 500,000 people will see $584 checks before New Year’s Eve, are you one of them?
Here are 6 ways to benefit from financial assistance following the final child tax credit payment
The first way is federal stimulus checks that still need to go out.
Millions of Americans are going to qualify for another check when they file their taxes in 2022.
These reasons may be because you had a child in 2021, or you were living abroad.
The check this applies to is the latest federal stimulus check worth $1,400.
Americans living overseas didn’t all get the stimulus check they were entitled to.
Over 9 million Americans live outside the country, meaning only around 1% or less were sent the check.
Related: Some families can apply for a $4,500 stimulus program in 2022, are you eligible?
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Another way many are getting cash is through their state or city government.
To name a couple, California and Maine are both working to help out their residents during this trying time.
California is sending out checks to qualifying residents under the Golden State Stimulus II program.
The checks are worth up to $1,100 and residents will see them by mid-January.
Maine residents are seeing checks worth $285 between now and the end of the year.
Related: Take action now to see if you’re eligible for surprise end of year $1,000 stimulus check
Santa Ana, California has also been giving some of their poorest neighborhood’s households debit cards with $300 preloaded.
Universal Basic Income is now becoming more common as cities throughout the country experiment with pilot programs.
Cities that have their own programs include Pittsburgh, Columbia, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Chicago.
The programs are geared to low income families.
It’s always good to keep in mind all the cash back options floating around.
Some websites offer cash back just for grocery shopping.
Related: Some families can expect a $1,400 stimulus check in 2022, here’s who qualifies
Ibotta states that the average user can get back around $150 each year they use their service.
TopCashBack claims its users see $345 per year on average.
Sign up bonuses can give you some extra cash.
Sometimes certain banks will give you thousands for signing up with them and opening a bank account.
Taking on a new job may also come with a sign on bonus.
Finally, one way for families to see extra cash is when they file their taxes in 2022 and claim the second half of their child tax credit.
The American Rescue Act increased the amount from $2,000 per child to $3,600 for kids under 6 and $3,000 for kids ages 6-17.
The payments disbursed through 2021 were just the first half of the credit, meaning parents can see a lump sum of the same amount next year.
Related: 10 states and cities that will offer stimulus checks or universal basic income this month
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