A provision of the American Rescue Plan that we fought hard for is a historic expansion of the Child Tax Credit, which is projected to help us cut the child poverty rate in half. These changes will provide crucial financial benefits to millions of families who need it most.
Similar to the stimulus checks sent out in our federal COVID relief bills, these payments will be based on your most recent tax returns (2020 if available; if not, 2019) and will be delivered via direct deposit, debit cards, or paper checks.
By July 1st, the IRS will open a portal that will allow you to check and update any relevant information to help you get your payment.
Find out more about the Advance Child Tax Credit Payments here.
Important information regarding changes to the Child Tax Credit:
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The American Rescue Plan increased the amount of the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $3,600 for children under age 6, and $3,000 for other children under age 18.
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Children 17 years old and younger, as opposed to 16 years old and younger, will now be covered by the Child Tax Credit.
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Individuals eligible for a 2021 Child Tax Credit will receive advance payments of the individual’s credit, which the IRS and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service will make through periodic payments from July 1, to December 31, 2021. This change will allow struggling families to receive financial assistance now, rather than waiting until the 2022 tax filing season to receive the Child Tax Credit benefit.
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The Child Tax Credit is now fully refundable meaning low- income households will be entitled to receive the full credit benefit, as significantly expanded and increased by the American Rescue Plan.
