In 2021, almost every family will be eligible for an additional Child Tax Credit to help families recover from the pandemic and support our youngest Texans. For most families, it will mean an extra $300 a month for each child under age six and $250 a month for those under age 17 (including new babies).

How does the Child Tax Credit work?

The Child Tax Credit is an addition to the usual Child Tax Credit you may have received in the past. However, the great thing about this is that more families are eligible than for other, similar relief programs. Single parents with incomes up to $112,500 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 are eligible for the full benefit. Families making more than those income levels will receive a partial benefit, with only the highest earning families excluded.

How do I get my Child Tax Credit?

To help your family recover from this unprecedented time in our history, the Federal government will start direct depositing your credit, monthly, through December 2021, into the bank account on your personal taxes from 2020. The remainder of your credit can be claimed when you file your 2021 taxes. If you opted for a check, and want an electronic deposit, you can request it through the IRS website.

Also Read : Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms 2023

How do I get started?

If you didn’t file taxes with the US government in 2020, you can register online through the IRS Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up Tool for the credit and payment.https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool

We hope you don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. Please share it with your friends and neighbors! If you don’t receive a payment in July 2021, make sure you reach out to the US Internal Revenue Service.

Where will you send my payment?

If you have a bank account, you can sign-up for direct deposit of your monthly payments. If you receive your payment electronically, it will show up in your bank account labeled CHILDCTC. If not, simply enter the address where you’d like your payments mailed.

Eligibility to apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit

You are also eligible to apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit, also known as stimulus payments, as part of this process.

The Administration collaborated with a non-profit, Code for America, who has created a non-filer sign-up tool that is easy to use on a mobile phone and also available in Spanish. If you have at least one qualifying child and earned less than $24,800 as a married couple, $18,650 as a Head of Household, or $12,400 as a single filer, you can use the Code for America sign-up tool to get the Child Tax Credit. You can also use the tool to receive missing stimulus payments, whether or not you have children.

Here’s a list of things you will need to complete the process.

• Social Security Social Security numbers for your children and Social Security Numbers (or ITIN) for you and your spouse
• A reliable mailing address
• E-mail address or phone number
• Your bank account information (if you want to receive your payment by direct deposit).

Here’s a link to the Code for America non-filer sign-up tool:

If you are eligible for the Child Tax Credit but don’t sign up for advance monthly payments by the November 15 deadline, you can still claim the full credit of up to $3,600 per child by filing your taxes next year.

If I sign up for the Child Tax Credit, will it affect my other government benefits (like SSI, SNAP, TANF, or WIC)?

No. Receiving Child Tax Credit payments will not change the amount you receive in other Federal benefits like unemployment insurance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF, WIC, Section 8, SSDI or Public Housing. The Child Tax Credit is not considered income for any family. So, these programs do not view tax credits as income.