OLGT 2021-79: Cross Program: Updates to the Child Tax Credit COVID-19 OLG Page

As part of The American Rescue Plan Act, for the first time, families had the option of having one half of a family’s total Child Tax Credit paid out in monthly installments.

Payments received through the expanded Child Tax Credits as part of The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, including the Child Tax Credit monthly installments beginning July 15th, 2021 and continuing through December 2021 is "income excluded by law" and is considered non-countable for SNAP, TAFDC, and EAEDC.

DTA clients received a text message in June 2021 advising of the Child Tax Credit and the associated website to assist clients with obtaining more information. Additionally, a second text message was sent out in six languages: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese (Brazilian), Simplified Chinese, and Vietnamese in September 2021 letting clients know that they may still be eligible for their missed stimulus payments and Child Tax Credits. Clients with Heightened Level of Security (HLS) or who have affirmatively opted-out, are not sent text messages.

Language regarding counting Child Tax Credits as assets has been removed due to updated guidance regarding the elimination of EAEDC and TAFDC asset limits.