Mayor Jim Kenney and the School District of Philadelphia superintendent William Hite sent out an open letter to Philadelphians encouraging them to take advantage of the Child Tax Credit. Starting July, more than 90 percent of Philadelphia families with children will be eligible for new monthly payments from the federal government of $250 or $300 per child from the credit.
“The City of Philadelphia estimates that if we work together to make sure everyone who is eligible claims their funds, 75,000 people in Philadelphia will move out of poverty this year. That includes more than 46,000 children,” the letter said.
“We must ensure that every eligible family is signed up. We urge all families to take advantage of this opportunity and to encourage your neighbors, friends and families to do the same.”
As reported by Pennsylvania Capital-Star, families who have filed tax returns in 2019 or 2020 or signed up to receive the federal stimulus payments will receive payments automatically.
Families who have not filed a tax return in the last two years or signed up to receive federal stimulus payments can complete the IRS non-filer form. Households can also apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit, also known as stimulus payments.
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Recovery Rebate Credit
Families who have not filed a tax return in the last two years or signed up to receive federal stimulus payments can complete the IRS non-filer form. Households can also apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit, also known as stimulus payments.
The payments will not count as income, so they will not affect other public benefits like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Family) cash assistance, SSI or Medicaid.
Families who have no income and children who have Social Security numbers are also eligible.
American Rescue Plan
The enhanced Child Tax Credit was signed into law by President Joe Biden as part of the American Rescue Plan Act in March.
As part of Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, eligible families can receive as much as $3,600 for each child under the age of 6. The credit will be $3,000 annually per child between the ages of 6 and 17.
The payments will be made monthly, which is a first for the program. However, the program is slated to expire after one year, though Biden has proposed extending it through 2025 with the ultimate goal of making it permanent.
For more information on the Child Tax Credit visit:, www.childtaxcredit.gov.