Raising a family in the Golden State is becoming increasingly unaffordable, making it critical to expand eligibility for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) to support more families who do not earn enough income to make ends meet. Significant financial challenges, including the costs of housing and child care, are so burdensome that even full-time employment may not be enough to cover the costs of living. According to United Ways of California’s Real Cost Measure study, the vast majority (about 97%) of households facing financial struggles have at least one working adult. California must do more to fill the gaps and support our children and families.

Just like the California Earned Income Tax Credit, the YCTC is a refundable tax credit that puts money back into the pockets of families who use their tax refunds to cover the costs of childcare, diapers, housing, groceries, gas, paying off debt, and more. And more money back in families’ pockets means more money spent in local communities.

Currently, qualifying California families with kids age 5 and under may be able to claim the Young Child Tax Credit. However, we know that the costs of raising kids don’t stop when they turn 6 years old. That’s why we’re advocating to increase eligibility for the Young Child Tax Credit to families with kids up to 18 years old.

Take action now: Urge State Legislators and the Governor to prioritize California families by supporting AB 1690 by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens and making the Young Child Tax Credit available to households with kids up to 18 years old.