Jan. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. families won't receive a child tax credit this weekend, marking the first time since July many families will go without the payment.
The move will affect 36 million families that were receiving $300-per-child monthly checks from the IRS to help pay for groceries and other expenses.
U.S. President Joe Biden's Build Back Better Act -- which remains in limbo -- would have ensured that families receive a payment on Friday.
The effort hit a roadblock with opposition from Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., whose support is crucial in passing the legislation.
Though Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi believes that a deal can be reached, it wouldn't happen in time for families to receive a check this week.
Families are planning to cut back on essentials and expenses to cope with the financial hit.
"The CTC went away, but grocery prices haven't gone down," a 44-year-old single mother of three Stormy Johnson told CBS News. "Now that I don't have that payment, the reality of life is that there will be times I won't eat to make sure my kids can."
Children may be most affected with 10 million kids at risk of slipping into poverty.
The CTC payments reduced food insufficiency by 26%, according to a study published Thursday.
