Moms, it’s time you get your due credit
Did you know the Covid-19 relief bill includes a #MommyStimmy for up to $3,600 per child? You have put in a lot of work for your family over the past year, and you deserve credit for all that you do. All you have to do is file your taxes to receive your Child Care Tax Credit payment. Visit irs.gov to get started, and if you need support, reach out to VITA, the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Take Action: Share What the ARP Means for Women and Girls!
Help other moms claim their coins. Share on social media to make sure your friends and family know how to get their #MommyStimmy
Child Tax Credit
What is the Child Tax Credit (CTC)?
The Child Tax Credit is intended to help parents and guardians of children and to decrease child poverty.
The child tax credit applies to children ages 6-17 and is available for families in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Territories.
Under the ARP, the credit is fully refundable. This means that people will get a refund even if the child tax credit exceeds their total tax bill.
If I qualify, how much money will I get from the CTC?
For people who make less than $75,000 (single filers), $112,500 (heads of households), and $150,000 (married couples), families are eligible to receive $3,600 for each child under the age of 6. For dependents 6-17, the family will receive $3,000. After these thresholds, for every $1,000 over, the credit will be reduced by $50.
Individual filers who make more than $95,000 or joint filers making more than $170,000 are not eligible for the child tax credit.
When and how do I receive the CTC?
Through President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, up to 50% of the tax credit will be sent to families as a series of periodic payments instead of just a lump sum return, as it has been in the past. Please note that the Child Tax Credits are for the 2021 tax year. You must file 2020 taxes by May 17, 2021 to be eligible for advance payments and you must also file your 2021 taxes in 2022 as early as possible to continue receiving the tax credits.
The American Rescue Plan allows advance CTC payments that will start to be sent out as early as July 2021, totaling up to half of an individual’s total 2021 CTC amount.
What if I am not employed right now? Can I still receive the CTC payments?
Yes. You will still qualify to receive CTC payments.
Should I file taxes even if I don’t have any income to report?
Yes, you should still file by May 17th in order to receive the CTC payments.
Learn More: Additional Frequently Asked Questions
about the American Rescue Plan Act
Learn about how you can take full advantage of the benefits of the American Rescue Plan Act.
Relief Checks
How much money will I get from my check, the Economic Impact Payment?
Through President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, single filers with an income up to $75,000, heads of household making $112,500 and joint filers with an income up to $150,000 are eligible for an EIP of $1,400. After these incomes, the stimulus check amount will phase out. Single filers making $80,000 or more, heads of households filers with an income of $120,000 or more and joint filers making $160,000 or more a year are not eligible for the checks
What about my dependents who are older than 16? Are they eligible to receive funds?
Yes. In President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, adult dependents qualify for stimulus checks. This includes 17-year-olds, retirees, and adults with disabilities who rely on a person for more than half of their expenses. The person who claims the dependent will receive the check. In order for a dependent to qualify, the person who is claiming them must meet the income and eligibility requirements.
What is used to determine my eligibility?
Your 2019 tax returns or your 2020 tax returns. If you haven’t filed your 2020 tax returns, make sure to do so by May 17, 2021!
The third stimulus check is based on either your 2019 or 2020 tax returns. If you didn’t file taxes in 2019 but used the IRS non-filer tool in order to receive your first two stimulus checks, the IRS should have enough information to send you the third check. If you didn’t use the now deactivated IRS non-filer tool and you did not file taxes in 2018 or 2019, you should file your 2020 taxes by May 17th 2021.
Will the money I receive be taxed?
No, they are not taxable income. Eligibility for any federal government assistance or benefits programs will not be impacted if you receive a stimulus check.
When will I receive my check?
On March 13, 2021, the IRS started to issue stimulus payments. Those who have direct deposits with the IRS should have already received or will soon receive their check. For those who get their tax refunds through checks or prepaid debit cards, you should receive your check in the coming weeks. If you do not receive the full amount, you will once you file your 2020 taxes by the May 17, 2021, deadline.
If you did not receive the full amounts of the stimulus payments from 2020, you should file your 2020 taxes by May 17, 2021. You will receive what you are owed with your refund.
Earned Income Tax Credit
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit and how has it changed under the American Rescue Plan Act?
Biden’s American Rescue Plan, raises the maximum Earned Income Tax Credit for workers without children from about $540 to roughly $1,500 with a yearly income cap for adults to qualify from about $16,000 to at least $20,000. The plan also expands the age range of eligible workers without children to include younger adults aged 19 to 24 as well as those aged sixty-five and over. This will provide urgent support for over seventeen million people who do some of the hardest jobs in America for low wages.
When will I receive my Earned Income Tax Credit?
Beginning in 2022. After filing your 2021 taxes, you will receive your Earned Income Tax Credit if you are eligible, but it’s important to file your 2020 taxes by the May 17, 2021 deadline to establish eligibility for claiming these credits this year!
Unemployment Benefits
How did the American Rescue Plan Act improve unemployment benefits?
President Biden’s ARP extended the $300 per week federal unemployment benefit.
This includes extensions to: Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation/Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation.
Will this money be taxed?
For households that make less than $150,000 per year, your first $10,200 of unemployment benefits cannot be taxed.
For spouses, each person can make $10,200 in unemployment benefits before it gets taxed.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Did SNAP benefits change?
Yes. President Biden’s ARP increased SNAP benefits by 15% through September 2021. This provides around an additional $28 per person, per month. For a family of four, this will equal to about $100 more a month in SNAP benefits
How do I apply for SNAP benefits?
Go to www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility for more guidance on SNAP eligibility, how to apply, and state-by-state information.
What do ARP Tax Credits Mean for Me?
Learn more about how changes to the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit could help you.
Who is Eligible to Receive Relief Checks?
Here is a quick explainer outlining who gets relief checks and how.
What is Reconciliation?
Listen to Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett break down reconciliation and how Congress plans to pass COVID-19 relief legislation.