On March 10, 2021, Congress passed a new COVID-19 relief bill, which was signed into law by President Biden the next day. The $1.9-trillion relief package offers new economic assistance to individuals, families, schools, businesses and state and local government. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the Act) will offer important financial assistance to individuals with disabilities and their families. Highlights include:

Direct Financial Assistance through Stimulus Payments

The Act is set to send a third round of stimulus payments of up to $1,400 per eligible individual or $2,800 for eligible married couples filing jointly. Adults who earned less than $75,000 will receive a full payment, with reduced payments to those earning up to $80,000. Married couples who earned up to $150,000 will also receive a full payment, with reduced payments available to those who earned up to $160,000. Children and adult dependents claimed on tax returns within these households are also eligible for $1,400 payments. (This includes college students and some people with disabilities, not just children under 17.) Learn more about the third round of stimulus payments.

Extension of Federal Supplemental Weekly Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Federal supplemental unemployment benefits, scheduled to start running out on March 14, will be extended by the federal government through September 6, providing an extra $300 a week on top of what individuals currently receive through their state unemployment programs. Learn more.

Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit Changes

Both the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit are important methods to reduce poverty for children, adults and families. The Act will expand eligibility and support for families. Learn more.

Housing Help with Eviction or Paying Rent or Mortgage

The Act gives funding to state and local governments to help struggling homeowners with mortgages and utilities. It also funds emergency rental assistance and homelessness relief, with special attention paid to “high-need” candidates. However, the Act does not extend the foreclosure moratorium for homeowners, which is set to expire on June 30. Additionally, it does not extend the eviction moratorium for renters, set to expire on March 31.is some new assistance to homeowners and renters. Learn more.

Food Assistance Changes (SNAP)

The Act also enhances food assistance. The largest injection of funds, just over $1 billion, goes to the country’s largest anti-hunger program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Act also provides funds to help low-income children who would normally receive meals at school, as well as low-income women and babies and low-income seniors. Learn more.