Big news for families in 2025—the government is offering some serious financial support! There’s a $3600 Child Tax Credit and a $1400 stimulus check coming your way, and many people are wondering if they qualify, when they’ll get it, and how much they can expect. Let’s break it down for you so you can know exactly what’s coming!
What is the $3600 Child Tax Credit?
First, let’s talk about the $3600 Child Tax Credit. If you’re a parent, this one’s going to be a big help. The government is offering up to $3600 per child under the age of 6, and $3000 per child for kids aged 6 to 17. The best part? These payments are monthly, which means you’ll get regular financial help throughout the year instead of waiting until tax season.
This extra cash can help with everything from groceries to daycare costs, and even just managing day-to-day expenses. Whether you’re a single parent or a couple with kids, this credit is designed to give you some breathing room.
How Much Will You Actually Get?
So, here’s the deal:
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Kids under 6 years old: $3600 per child
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Kids aged 6 to 17: $3000 per child
The payments will be divided up into monthly installments, meaning that starting in January 2025, you can expect smaller payments on a regular basis. It’s a way to spread the support out across the year, so it’s not such a big lump sum all at once.
Who’s Eligible for the $3600 Child Tax Credit?
Not everyone will qualify, but if you meet a few key criteria, you’re likely in! Here’s who’s eligible:
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Income Limits:
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Single filers: If your income is $75,000 or less, you’ll probably get the full credit.
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Married couples filing jointly: If your combined income is $150,000 or less, you qualify.
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Head of household: The limit here is $112,500.
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Other Requirements:
To qualify, your child needs to be a U.S. citizen and under 18, and they must be listed as a dependent on your taxes.
Now, if you earn above these income limits, don’t worry—you could still get a reduced credit depending on your income.
What About the $1400 Stimulus Check?
Next up is the $1400 stimulus check, which will be sent to eligible individuals. This payment is a one-time check to help with financial struggles, especially for those still feeling the effects of rising costs and inflation.
The $1400 stimulus check will be based on your 2023 tax return. If you’ve filed your taxes, you’re already in the system, and the check will come automatically. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you’ll need to do that to make sure you get your payment.
Who Gets the $1400 Stimulus Check?
To get the $1400 stimulus, you need to meet these criteria:
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Income Limits:
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Single filers: If you earn $75,000 or less, you’ll get the full $1400.
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Married couples filing jointly: If you earn $150,000 or less combined, you’re good to go.
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Head of household: If you earn up to $112,500, you qualify.
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Filing Your Taxes:
If you’ve already filed your 2023 taxes, you’re all set. The IRS will use that info to send out your check. If you haven’t filed, now’s the time to get it done so you don’t miss out. -
Payment Method:
If you’ve already provided your bank info to the IRS, you’ll likely get the money through direct deposit. If not, you’ll receive a paper check or a prepaid debit card in the mail, which could take a bit longer to arrive.
When Will Payments Be Sent?
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Child Tax Credit Payments:
The monthly payments for the Child Tax Credit will start rolling out in January 2025. If you’ve set up direct deposit with the IRS, you’ll see those payments land right in your account. They’ll continue on a monthly basis, so you’ll have consistent support throughout the year. -
$1400 Stimulus Check Payments:
The $1400 stimulus checks will begin arriving in late January 2025. If you’re set up for direct deposit, expect the money to come quickly. For others, the checks will be mailed, which could take a little longer to arrive.
How to Check Your Payment Status
Wondering when you’ll get your payment? You can check the status of both the Child Tax Credit and stimulus check on the IRS website. They’ll give you an update on when your payments are expected and help you track them if needed.
What Should You Do Now?
So, what can you do to make sure you get these payments on time?
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File Your Taxes:
If you haven’t filed your 2023 taxes yet, don’t wait! Filing as soon as possible will ensure the IRS has all the info they need to send you the money. -
Update Your Info:
Did you change addresses or bank accounts recently? Make sure the IRS has your current info so your payments don’t get delayed. -
Keep an Eye on Updates:
The IRS will be sending out updates, so be sure to check their website for any important information about your payments.
Final Thoughts
The $3600 Child Tax Credit and the $1400 stimulus check are huge financial boosts for families in 2025. These payments can help with everything from monthly expenses to unexpected costs. Just make sure you’ve filed your taxes and updated your information with the IRS, and keep an eye out for your payments starting in January 2025.
