| DATE: | September 21, 2022 |
| SUBJECT: | Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) |
| TO: | All SNAP State Agencies All Regions |
As the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) shared with you back on Aug. 10, 2021, thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) was increased and expanded, and most families are eligible to receive the credit for their children. This is the largest CTC ever and provides historic relief to working families. I write to you once again to emphasize your opportunity to support low-income families by advising them of the CTC.
If families have not yet filed taxes to receive their full 2021 CTC, there’s still time. For families with qualifying children who had not turned 18 before the start of this year, the 2021 CTC is up to $3,000 to $3,600 per child, based on age. For families who have not yet filed taxes for 2021, if they received part of their CTC as monthly payments last year, they can still receive their remaining CTC by filing now. If they qualify for the CTC, but did not receive monthly payments last year, they can still receive the full credit amount when they file now. Families must file a tax return to receive the full CTC. Families can go to ChildTaxCredit.gov to help determine if they are eligible for the 2021 Child Tax Credit and find free resources to help file for the CTC. With only weeks remaining to file a tax return this year, to claim the full amount of 2021 CTC in the easiest and most secure way, families should act as soon as possible.
Once again, FNS encourages state agencies to consider opportunities to promote the CTC, with the understanding that states will use non-SNAP funds, such as adding CTC messaging to call center and interactive voice response (IVR) services; share information about ChildTaxCredit.gov during application intake, recertification, and on your public website; and partnering with state and local organizations to spread the word to use existing communication channels in multiple languages, including social media, to notify clients of the CTC.
Thank you once again for raising awareness of this ground-breaking anti-poverty program and for spreading the word regarding the assistance the CTC can provide to low-income families.
Please contact your regional office with any questions.
Laura Griffin for Lizbeth Silbermann
Acting Associate Administrator
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program