Avelar Highlights Advance Payments for Child Tax Credit

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – To help ensure that local families with children are receiving economic stimulus and tax relief, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, is highlighting the availability of advance payments for the federal child tax credit.

“Parents and families with children have shouldered unfathomable burdens during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Avelar said. “Advance payments of child tax credits offer one measure of financial relief and support to help alleviate these burdens.”

As part of the American Rescue Plan championed by President Biden, half of the federal child tax credit will now be paid in monthly installments through the end of 2021. The American Rescue Plan also increased the amount of the child tax credit by 80% for children under six years old, from $2,000 to $3,600, by 50% for children ages six and over, from $2,000 to $3,000, and for the first time is available for families with children who are 17 years old. If an eligible parent filed tax returns for 2019 or 2020 or signed up to receive a stimulus payment from the IRS, they automatically began getting payments in July. For families that have not received advance child tax credit payments, they can find out more information, in English and Spanish, at ChildTaxCredit.gov and register for payments and check eligibility at IRS.gov/ChildTaxCredit2021.

“In order to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we support children and families in innovative ways and advance payments of the child tax credit are an important measure of such support and relief,” Avelar added. “I encourage middle- and low-income families with children to visit ChildTaxCredit.gov to ensure they are getting the relief they deserve.”