Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) applauded the expanded Child Tax Credit as the monthly payments begin to reach tens of millions of families across the nation. Starting July 15, 2021, eligible families will begin receiving monthly payments of up to $300 for every child under 6 and $250 for every child aged 6 to 17. These payments were made possible by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which Senator Coons voted to pass in March 2021.
“Today represents a historic investment in our kids, our families, and our future,” said Senator Coons. “The expanded Child Tax Credit will provide direct monthly payments to hard-working families up and down the First State who are struggling to afford health care, housing, groceries, and child care. I am proud to have supported this expansion that will deliver one of the most significant reductions in child poverty in history.”
To qualify for monthly Child Tax Credit payments, families must have:
- Filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return and claimed the Child Tax Credit on the return; or given their information in 2020 to the IRS to receive the Economic Impact Payment using the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool; and
- A main home in the United States for more than half the year (the 50 states and the District of Columbia) or file a joint return with a spouse who has a main home in the United States for more than half the year; and
- A qualifying child who is under age 18 at the end of 2021 and who has a valid Social Security number; and
- Made less than certain income limits: households earning less than $75,000 for single filers, $112,500 for heads of households, and $150,000 for joint filers.
Families are encouraged to visit the IRS website to ensure they receive their checks. Most families who are eligible will not need to do anything to receive these payments; IRS will use the information they have on file to automatically deposit the funds into their bank account or through a mailed check.
Previously, families would receive the Child Tax Credit once a year. This year, the IRS will pay half the total credit amount in advance as monthly payments beginning July 15. Families will claim the other half when they file their 2021 income tax return. These changes apply to tax year 2021 only.
For more information on Child Tax Credit payments, click here.
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