Nearly all families with children qualify. The IRS made payments that were estimated at half of the total child tax credit for which you might be eligible. This website provides information to help the public understand the child tax credit and anticipate child tax credit payments. In previous years, families could only receive their child tax credit in a lump sum when they filed their tax returns.
This resource was created by Poverty Solutions of the University of Michigan to help ensure that all Michigians can access the benefits of the tax credit for children for whom they are eligible. The monthly Child Tax Credit payments that families received last year, and any refunds received when applying for the Child Tax Credit this year, will not be considered income for any family. If you haven't yet filed your tax return, you still have time to file it and get your full child tax credit. Filing a tax return is how families will get all the benefits of the child tax credit for which they are eligible.
In addition, the American Rescue Plan extended the full child tax credit permanently to Puerto Rico and the United States. Yes, eligible residents, including DACA recipients, are eligible for the child tax credit as long as the children claimed in the household have a valid social security number. Whether they have received monthly advance payments or not, eligible families can claim their remaining Child Tax Credit benefits when they file a tax return this year. If you already received the first half of your child tax credit last year, you'll receive the second half after filing your tax return this year.
The American Rescue Plan increased the child tax credit and expanded its coverage to better help families who care for children. You can use the IRS child tax credit update portal to view your payment history and verify that a check was mailed to you or that you received direct deposits. Receiving child tax credit benefits will not change the amount you receive from any other federal benefit, including unemployment insurance, Medicaid, SNAP (formerly food stamps), SSI, SSDI, TANF, WIC, Section 8, or Public Housing. The child tax credit applies to taxes you owe to the federal government, which helps offset any tax burden you may have.
If you received early child tax credit payments, you should reconcile (compare) the total you received with the amount you can claim.
