At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress backed an enhancement to the longstanding child tax credit program, historically doled out when Americans file their taxes. Now, families face a lapse in help.

The first child tax credit payments were sent to households in July, and Georgia households received roughly $520.3 million. The average monthly payment was $418, according to data from the U.S. Treasury Department.

Early data shows that after the child tax credit payments started going out this summer, the number of households with children who experience food insufficiency dropped.

The first monthly enhanced child tax credit payment has landed, but some families are now opting out. Here's how to decide whether it makes sense for you.

"Be alert to criminals who ask you, by phone, email, text – or even on social media, to verify your information," the IRS cautions.

In an interview with NPR, the Treasury secretary calls to permanently expand the child tax credit being paid out to American families starting this week.

The first monthly payments under the expanded child tax credit were disbursed on Thursday. The White House says relief is on the way to the families of nearly 60 million children.

"For working families with children, this tax cut sends a clear message: Help is here," said President Biden, touting the tax credit that gives American families up to an extra $1,600 per child.

NPR's Scott Simon ponders the child tax credit, why it was created and why someone as wealthy as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos would get it.

The $1.9 trillion relief bill includes a new monthly allowance for American parents that could help provide a critical lifeline.

The president wants to expand the federal child tax credit for lower-income households. "In one fell swoop, it'll essentially lower the child poverty rate by more than 40%," says analyst Chuck Marr.