Introduction to Resource Kit
The Child Tax Credit is tax refund designed to help families with the expense of raising a child. This year, the benefit was expanded help families with the most need, even if they have little or no income. More than 27 million children are newly eligible for the benefit.
Many families will receive this benefit automatically. Families with the most need, however, will need to enroll at GetCTC.org/strength by November 15, 2021.
Children who need CTC the most are often the hardest to reach. Schools are in a unique position to drive awareness and reach families in need.
This toolkit offers you pre-made resources to provide to parents so that those families with incomes too low to typically qualify for CTC tax refunds can enroll and receive the CTC benefit. Use and share the resources below that work best for you and your families to help them get signed up to receive their monthly payments.
Who is this resource kit for?
Teachers, school and district administration, counselors and any other school partners or educators that have touch points with low-income families.
We want this to be both useful and easy for educators to communicate and share this information with your families. Share as is or customize.
When possible, coordinate with other teachers or administrators to bring awareness to CTC through multiple channels (i.e. principal robocall and parent/caregiver letter from teachers)
How do I share with families?
This toolkit includes ready-to-use and customizable resources that you can share on a variety of platforms. Scroll down to see sample social media messages and information that can be used by teachers, administrators, counselors and other school leaders.
Do you have resources in Spanish?
More information about signing up for the Child Tax Credit is available in Spanish at https://www.getctc.org/es.
What do families need to sign up?
Signing up for the Child Tax Credit is simple: parents only need a working email address or phone number and the social security numbers of any children they want to claim. Children claimed for the Child Tax Credit must have a valid Social security number (SSN), however the tax filer (a parent, grandparent, or guardian) can have either a SSN or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Graphics
Social Media Language
The Child Tax Credit is a 2021 cash benefit for families. Did your family receive your September payment? Go to NoKidHungry.org/GetCTC to learn more!
Customizable Letter to Parents
Dear [school or district name] Families,
We know it’s been a tough year for many families, including financially. We want to help connect you with the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC)—a cash benefit for kids--in hopes it will help ease some of the financial burden this fall and winter.
Sign up at GetCTC.org/strength by November 15 to receive your benefits.
With the new CTC eligibility opportunity, through December 2021, most families are eligible to receive monthly payments via direct deposit or checks in the mail. You can get up to $300 a month per child.
If you filed taxes in 2019 or 2020 or have already received stimulus payments, the IRS has your information and you don’t need to do anything – you are receiving this benefit automatically. If you didn’t file or you made little to no income, it isn’t too late to receive payments! This includes payments you’ve already missed from previous months.
For more information about who is eligible and what is needed to sign up, visit NoKidHungry.org/GetCTC.
Sincerely,
[principal, school, or teacher name]
Robocall Script
Hello [School/District Name] Parents. For decades, the Child Tax Credit has been available at tax time to most families with children. This year, it has been expanded so even families who make little or no income can receive it too.
Many of you who paid taxes in 2019 or 2020, or who received stimulus checks during the pandemic, automatically qualify and are already receiving this benefit.
If you haven’t gotten your checks in July, August and September, there’s still time. Go to www.GetCTC.org/strength to enroll before November 15 to receive your payments.
This doesn’t impact federal benefits and it isn’t considered income. Whether it will help your family buy groceries, clothing, or whatever else your family needs, get signed up today at www.getCTC.org/strength to access these payments as soon as possible.
Flyers
Flyer Language
(Adapt this for a flyer, take-home 1-pager or newsletter copy.)
You don’t have to file taxes to receive the Child Tax Credit in 2021!
Did you receive your Child Tax Credit payment in September? If not, there’s still time!
In 2021, the Child Tax Credit is available to most families, including those who previously didn’t have income high enough to qualify for a tax refund. Families will receive up to $300 per child per month through December.
Most families who paid taxes in 2019 and 2020 are automatically enrolled, but if you made little or no money last year, you CAN enroll in just a few steps.
Enroll today at www.getCTC.org/strength.
Claim Your Child Tax Credit TODAY!
Step-By-Step Guide for Parents
Print and use this one-pager which contains step-by-step information on how to apply for the Child Tax Credit.
For More Information
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please go to:
- English: www.getCTC.org/strength
- Spanish: https://www.getctc.org/es