👶 The Child Comes First
The TEA Act centers the child — not just in rhetoric, but in dollars. Each enrolled child receives two guaranteed supports:
- $1,000/month managed in trust by a parent, guardian, or state agency — used to ensure housing, nutrition, safety, and stability for the benefit of the child.
- $500/month deposited into a locked Child Equity Trust — a long-term savings account accessible at age 18 or during qualifying life events (emancipation, pregnancy, crisis transition).
📈 Why This Matters
By guaranteeing direct economic investment in every child, the TEA Act builds stability before the crisis stage. It's not a welfare patch — it's a structural foundation for growth and independence.
- Protects against housing instability, utility shut-offs, and food insecurity
- Enables caregivers to focus on care — not just survival
- Gives youth financial autonomy as they age into adulthood
💡 What Is the Child Equity Trust?
It's a protected savings fund created at enrollment and backed monthly by TEA contributions. At age 18, the child has access — often totaling over $108,000 — for:
- Education, job training, or certifications
- Rent, home down payments, or relocation safety
- Escape from violence or crisis situations
- Building a business or co-op with peers
🌍 A Nation That Invests in Its Kids
The TEA Act doesn't wait for children to "earn" support. It affirms that being born into this country is enough — and that stability is a right, not a reward. Families don’t apply to survive. They receive what they’re owed: a future that starts now.