When Love Steps In: Supporting Those Who Care Without Blood Ties

Three children lost their father, a local county officer who made the ultimate sacrifice. Two years later, their mother found love again, and a compassionate man stepped into their lives purely out of love. For over a decade, he has been their rock, their provider, and their confidant—not because he had to, but because he chose to. Unfortunately, despite his selfless dedication, he cannot claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC) or the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) because he shares no blood relation with these children.

This story reflects countless situations across America where good-hearted individuals step up to care for children simply because it's the right thing to do. Current tax guidelines restrict CTC and EITC benefits exclusively to blood relatives, ignoring the thousands of caregivers who open their hearts and homes to children in need. These heroes—unmarried partners, family friends, neighbors, and others—don't need DNA to provide love, stability, and support.

Thank God for these individuals. Without them, where would the modern family be today? In 2020 alone, around 2.6 million grandparents took responsibility for grandchildren's basic needs. Countless others provide extensive care for children they're not biologically related to, driven purely by compassion and love.

The tax code must recognize what the heart already knows: family isn't defined by blood alone. Expanding CTC and EITC eligibility to include these dedicated caregivers would provide essential financial support while acknowledging their invaluable contributions. These changes could significantly reduce child poverty in households that depend on love-based rather than blood-based family structures.

Congress has the power to honor these everyday heroes. We need tax regulations that reflect the reality of modern families—families built on choice, commitment, and care rather than genetics alone.

Stand with us to support those who choose love over obligation. Demand Congress amend CTC and EITC rules to include caregivers who provide guidance, stability, and hope to children simply because their hearts called them to do so. Sign this petition to ensure all children receive the support they deserve, regardless of bloodlines.