If you’ve been hearing talk about $3,600 Child Tax Credit payments returning in 2025, you’re not alone. Parents across the country are wondering whether these bigger benefits are making a comeback, and what they need to know to qualify. Here’s everything clearly explained, without the confusing fine print.
What Is the Child Tax Credit, Really?
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a federal benefit that helps families manage the cost of raising kids. In 2021, it was expanded as part of a pandemic relief effort—families could receive up to $3,600 per child, and much of it came in monthly payments. That made a big difference for a lot of households.
But those expanded payments were only temporary. Since then, the credit has gone back to its original form. That means in 2025, most families can still receive the benefit—but not in the same amounts or monthly format as they did during the pandemic.
What’s the Credit Amount in 2025?
For the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025), the Child Tax Credit offers:
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Up to $2,000 per child under age 17
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Of that, up to $1,700 may be refundable for lower-income families (this part is called the Additional Child Tax Credit)
That $3,600 credit everyone remembers from 2021 isn’t currently available. Unless new legislation is passed, this smaller credit remains the law for now.
Who Can Qualify?
To claim the Child Tax Credit for 2025, you and your child must meet certain requirements:
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The child must be under 17 years old at the end of 2024
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They must be your dependent (biological child, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or grandchild)
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The child must have lived with you for more than half of the year
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You must have provided more than half of their support
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The child must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
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They must have a valid Social Security Number
Income limits also apply:
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For single parents, the credit starts phasing out if you earn more than $200,000
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For married couples filing jointly, the phase-out begins above $400,000
Your benefit is reduced by $50 for every $1,000 over these thresholds.
Are Monthly Payments Coming Back?
Right now, the IRS is not sending monthly checks like it did in 2021. In 2025, the Child Tax Credit will come as a single payment when you file your tax return for 2024. If Congress approves changes later this year, that could change—but as of now, no new laws have been passed to bring back monthly CTC payments.
When Will You Get the Money?
If you’re eligible, here’s when to expect your Child Tax Credit refund:
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Mid-February 2025 – The IRS starts processing returns that claim the Additional Child Tax Credit
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March 3, 2025 – This is the earliest refunds will be sent for those claims (if you file early and accurately)
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Around 21 days after filing – This is the usual timeline for electronic filers using direct deposit
Direct deposit is the fastest way to get your refund. Paper checks or prepaid cards can take longer.
How Do You Claim It?
There’s no separate sign-up form or application. Here’s what you need to do:
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File your 2024 federal tax return in early 2025
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Attach Schedule 8812 to calculate and claim the credit
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Double-check your Social Security numbers and income
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Choose direct deposit to speed up your refund
Could the $3,600 Credit Return?
There are proposals in Congress to bring back the expanded version of the credit, including up to $3,600 per child and even additional support for newborns. These ideas have been debated for a while, but nothing is final yet.
If no action is taken by lawmakers, the credit may actually shrink to $1,000 per child starting in 2026, when some current tax laws expire.
The Child Tax Credit is still a big help for families, but the expanded version many people remember is not currently available. In 2025, families can receive up to $2,000 per child when they file their taxes. If Congress acts, those benefits could grow again—but for now, it’s important to plan based on the current rules.
