Democratic congressional candidate Jack Schlossberg is proposing a fundamental shift in how the federal government delivers child support to families, calling for the transition of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) from a yearly lump sum to a monthly deposit. The plan, which Schlossberg has dubbed the “Monthly Moms Bonus,” aims to provide immediate liquidity to parents rather than requiring them to wait until tax season to receive benefits.
The proposal comes as Schlossberg campaigns for New York’s 12th Congressional District, a high-profile seat vacated by the retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler. By shifting the delivery mechanism of the credit, Schlossberg argues that the government can better address the real-time costs of raising children in one of the world’s most expensive cities. The plan is expected to be a centerpiece of a Mother’s Day campaign event featuring his mother, Caroline Kennedy.
Under the proposal, the IRS would move away from the traditional annual refund model. In a prepared statement, Schlossberg framed the move as a matter of practical urgency for New York City families. “The first thing I did was tell my own mother I love her, and the next thing I want to do is deliver a robust child tax credit that doesn’t wait a year to get to NYC families,” Schlossberg said, advocating for funds to be “deposited monthly into the checking account to be used right away.”
The Two-Phase Rollout of the ‘Moms Bonus’
Schlossberg’s plan is structured in two distinct stages. The first phase focuses on the logistics of payment, converting the existing annual credit—which can cover up to $2,200 per qualifying child according to IRS figures cited by the campaign—into a monthly direct deposit. This phase would not necessarily increase the total amount of the credit but would change the timing of the delivery to provide a steady stream of income for qualifying parents.
The second phase is more ambitious, seeking to restore and expand the credit to levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic under the American Rescue Plan. This expansion would increase the monthly amount based on the age of the child, providing a tiered support system for families with younger children who often face higher childcare costs.
| Payment Stage | Proposed Monthly Amount (Under 6) | Proposed Monthly Amount (6+) | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Conversion | Pro-rated current credit | Pro-rated current credit | Monthly |
| Phase 2: Expansion | $300 | $250 | Monthly |
Funding the Proposal: A Political Pivot
One of the more contentious aspects of the “Monthly Moms Bonus” is its proposed funding source. According to the Schlossberg campaign, the initiative would be financed in part by redirecting $1 billion that some Senate Republicans have sought to allocate for updates to the White House State Ballroom and general security updates. The remainder of the cost would be covered through a series of proposed tax reforms.
The political framing is clear: Schlossberg is positioning the needs of working families against the costs of executive residence renovations. However, the viability of this funding source remains uncertain. The GOP funding for the White House security and ballroom updates has not yet passed the Senate, and it is unclear if the legislation will ever reach President Donald Trump’s desk to become law. If the funding is not approved, the campaign’s primary funding mechanism for the bonus would be nullified, leaving the proposal reliant on broader tax reforms.
A Crowded Field in New York’s 12th
The proposal enters a highly competitive primary race for the 12th District, which encompasses affluent and densely populated Manhattan neighborhoods, including the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, and Midtown. With Rep. Jerry Nadler retiring, the seat has become a focal point for Democratic contenders with varying backgrounds.
Schlossberg, a grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, is facing a field of seasoned political figures and specialists. The primary includes:
- Micah Lasher: A New York State Assemblyman and former aide to Jerry Nadler, who has received Nadler’s official endorsement.
- Alex Bores: Another New York State Assemblyman vying for the seat.
- George Conway: Co-founder of the Lincoln Project, known for his vocal criticism of the current administration.
- Nina Schwalbe: A public health researcher.
The diverse array of candidates suggests a primary that will test different visions for the district, ranging from established legislative experience to outside-the-box policy proposals like the Monthly Moms Bonus.
Why the Delivery Method Matters
The debate over monthly versus annual payments is not new to federal policy. During the pandemic, the temporary expansion of the Child Tax Credit into monthly payments was credited by various economists and advocacy groups with significantly reducing child poverty in real-time. The “cliff” created when those payments ended in 2021 left many families without a reliable monthly safety net, returning them to the annual tax refund cycle.
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By advocating for a return to this model, Schlossberg is tapping into a policy preference among low-to-middle-income families who struggle with “cash flow” gaps between annual tax filings. For a family in Manhattan, where rent and childcare are among the highest in the nation, a monthly check is often more impactful than a single annual payment that may have already been spent on past debts.
Disclaimer: This article discusses proposed tax policy and legislative proposals. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice.
The next critical milestone for the candidates will be the primary election on June 23, where voters in Manhattan will decide who will move forward to represent the 12th District in the general election. Following the primary, the winner will likely face immediate pressure to align their policy platform with the broader national Democratic strategy heading into the general election cycle.
Do you think monthly tax credits are more effective than annual refunds for families? Share your thoughts in the comments or share this story on social media.
