How much will my family get from the Child Tax Credit?

Through the new Child Tax Credit, families are eligible to receive up to $3,600 for each child in their care under the age of 6 and up to $3,000 per year for children ages 6 to 17.

  • The first half was paid out in regular monthly payments from July through December 2021. Families received $300 per month, per child younger than age 6 and $250 per month, per child age 6 to 17.
  • To receive the second half of the credit, families must file taxes in 2022.

Missed out on the monthly payments?  It’s not too late. Families who did not receive their monthly payments in 2021 can still claim the entire credit by filing taxes in 2022. 

The total benefit payment is based on the family’s income and number of children. The Child Tax Credit does not count as income for federally-funded benefits, including SNAP. 

Under age 6

Up to $3,600

total possible benefit per child

$300 per month per child from July – December 2021, totaling up to $1,800 in 6 months for the first half of the payment

plus

$1,800 per child in a one-time payment after filing taxes in 2022.

Ages 6 to 17

Up To $3,000

total possible benefit per child

$250 per month per child from July – December 2021, totaling up to $1,500 in 6 months for the first half of the payment

plus

$1,500 per child in a one-time payment after filing taxes in 2022.

Am I eligible for the Child Tax Credit?

You qualify for the Child Tax Credit if you meet these three criteria.

  • You are a parent, guardian or caregiver with dependent children up to age 17.
  • Your child has a Social Security Number. You can file your taxes with an ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number), but your child must have a Social Security Number.
  • You fall below the following income limits to receive the full benefit.
    • If you are single and meet the requirements for filing taxes as a head of household, your income must be under $112,500. If you are single and do not meet the requirements for filing as head of household, your income must be under $75,000.
    • If you have a spouse and choose to file your taxes jointly, your combined income must be under $150,000.

If your household income is above those thresholds, you will receive slightly smaller payments, depending on income.

If you have children under 18 in your home, you should have received the first half of your child tax credit in monthly cash payments between July and December 2021. To receive the second half of your credit, file taxes in 2022!

Didn’t receive your monthly payments? It’s not too late to claim your Child Tax Credit! You may be eligible even if you are not the child’s biological parent or if you do not usually file taxes or have low/no earnings. To claim your credit, file taxes in 2022!

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