US Department of Education: Raising kids can be expensive, and the Child Tax Credit is here to help
The American Rescue Plan increased the amount of the 2021 Child Tax Credit to support families with children. The Child Tax Credit is now $300 per month for each child under age 6 and $250 for each child ages 6 to 17.
Fill out a simple form to start getting your monthly Child Tax Credit payments.
All you'll need to apply are
• | a reliable mailing address, |
• | an email address, |
• | your children's Social Security numbers, |
• | your Social Security number (or ITIN), and |
• | your bank account information (if you want to receive your payment by direct deposit). |
The Child Tax Credit is $3,000 to $3,600 per child with advanced monthly payments.
To get money to families quickly, the IRS will pay half of the credit as monthly payments now and the other half when you file your taxes next year. You'll receive a total of $3,600 for each child under 6 and $3,000 for each child between 6 and 17.
Are you eligible?
Most families can receive the full amount—even families with little to no income. You are likely eligible for the full amount if you
• | have children under age 18 who will live with you for more than half of 2021 and |
• | are either a single parent making less than $112,500 or a married couple making less than $150,000. |
The Child Tax Credit does not affect your other federal benefits like SNAP.