US Could Send $1,400 COVID Bill Payments Within Days; Child Tax Credit a Bigger Challenge

A sign reading, "I wish Covid-19 was over" is seen on security fence surrounding the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on March 7, 2021. Erin Scott/Reuters

WASHINGTON—With plenty of practice sending coronavirus relief payments to Americans, the federal government should be able to launch the delivery of $1,400 checks almost immediately once Congress finalizes the new aid bill and President Joe Biden signs it, tax experts say.

Some Americans might see direct payments as soon as this week if the bill passes the House of Representatives on Tuesday as expected, compared with several weeks’ lag in April 2020. Nearly 160 million households are expected to get payments, the White House estimates.