With the recent approval of the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) of up to $3,600, millions of American families are hoping for relief. This financial aid is no less than a support for parents in the face of rising inflation, whether it is in the form of healthcare, housing lease or ration. Especially for low and middle-income families, it is not only a tax relief but also an essential source of cash.

What is the $3,600 Child Tax Credit?

The Child Tax Credit is a government scheme designed to provide financial assistance to families raising children. Earlier this credit was up to $2,000, but during the COVID-19 pandemic it was increased to $3,600 for young children (below 6 years) and $3,000 for children aged 6 to 17 years.

Now, in 2025, this enhanced credit has been re-approved, giving eligible families up to $3,600 per child. This credit is partially refundable, meaning that even if someone does not owe much tax, they can still get full or partial payment. Payment can be received either as a lump sum at the time of tax or in installments every month.

CTC $3,600 Program Highlights

Points	Description
Department	Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Country	US
Plan Name	Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Amount	Up to $3,600 per child
Eligible Age	Children under 17 years of age
Payment Method	In installments every month or in a lump sum
Category	Government Financial Aid
Official Website	irs.gov

Who is eligible for the CTC $3,600?

Families must meet certain IRS rules to receive the CTC:

• The child must be under 17 at the end of the tax year
• The child must be a direct relative (such as a son, daughter, stepchild, grandchild, etc.)
• The child must have lived with you for at least 6 months
• You must have been responsible for more than half of the child’s expenses
• The child must have a Social Security number
• You must have listed the child as a dependent on your tax return
• Your household income must be within certain limits

Income limits for full credit

Filing Status	Income limits (for full credit)
Single	Up to $75,000
Head of Household	\Up to $112,500
Married Filing Jointly	\Up to $150,000

Earnings above these limits can still result in a partial credit, but it gradually decreases.

Public response and social impact

The $3,600 child tax credit has been overwhelmingly positive. For many families, the credit has helped pay for food, clothing, school supplies and medical care for their children.

Single parents and working-class families have especially appreciated the relief. They say it gives them some peace of mind and less worry about money for the essentials.

While some say it may lead people to stop working or misappropriate their money, historical data shows that most families use the credit for rent, food, children’s education and savings.

What to do next?

Now that the law has passed, eligible families can prepare to receive the benefit:

• File a tax return: Complete the return with all dependents correctly listed.
• Have documents ready: Submit your Social Security number and income documents.
• Choose a payment option: The IRS will tell you whether the payment will be received monthly or as a lump sum refund.

If payments are made in monthly installments, the money may start arriving within a few weeks of tax processing.

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