American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
Enacted: March 11, 2021
Total Package Size: $1.9 trillion
Overview
The American Rescue Plan Act was a major economic stimulus package signed into law to accelerate recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided direct financial assistance to individuals, expanded unemployment benefits, and allocated significant resources for vaccination programs, state and local governments, and schools.
Key Components
Economic Impact Payments
- Third round of stimulus payments: $1,400 per individual
- $1,400 per dependent (including adult dependents)
- Full payment for individuals earning up to $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples)
- Phased out completely for individuals earning above $80,000 ($160,000 for married couples)
Unemployment Benefits
- Extended federal unemployment benefits through September 6, 2021
- Additional $300 per week in federal unemployment benefits
- Extended Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for self-employed workers
- Extended Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
Child Tax Credit Expansion
- Increased credit amount to $3,600 for children under 6 and $3,000 for children 6-17
- Made credit fully refundable
- Provided advance monthly payments from July to December 2021
- Higher income thresholds for phase-out
State and Local Government Support
- $350 billion for state, local, and tribal governments
- Resources for public health, education, and infrastructure
- Support for essential workers
Vaccination and Public Health
- $20 billion for national vaccination program
- $50 billion for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing
- Resources for public health departments
Eligibility
Eligibility varied by program component:
- Economic Impact Payments: Based on 2019 or 2020 tax returns, with income thresholds
- Unemployment Benefits: Workers receiving state or federal unemployment benefits
- Child Tax Credit: Families with qualifying children, based on income
How to Apply
Most American Rescue Plan programs have closed, but some components may still be available:
- Check with the IRS for any remaining Economic Impact Payment claims
- File your 2021 tax return to claim the expanded Child Tax Credit
- Contact your state unemployment office for any remaining benefits
Important Dates
- March 11, 2021: American Rescue Plan signed into law
- March 2021: Third round of Economic Impact Payments distributed
- July 2021: Advance Child Tax Credit payments began
- September 6, 2021: Extended unemployment benefits ended
- December 2021: Final advance Child Tax Credit payment
Resources
Related Programs
Explore other related stimulus programs: