Democrats Make Politically Risky Bet on Monthly Child Tax Credit

Democratic lawmakers are betting that an expanded child tax credit, paid out monthly for the first time, will prove to be a successful campaign message in the 2022 midterm elections, but the policy also has political risks that could alienate some taxpayers.

Starting July 15 and going through year-end, parents will begin receiving monthly direct deposits or checks for as much as $300 per child. The move was part of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion pandemic-relief bill from March.

The shift to monthly payments -- rather than a lump sum distributed after tax deadlines next spring -- is designed ...