$1,500 Per Child Stimulus Coming Soon—Here’s When to Expect It and How to Get Your Payment
Child Stimulus Coming Soon: As of May 2025, rumors are circulating about a new $1,500 per child stimulus payment. While there’s no new federal stimulus confirmed by the U.S. government, eligible families can still access substantial financial support through the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)—worth up to $1,700 per qualifying child when filing your 2024 tax return.
This guide will walk you through what’s currently available, how to claim your benefit, and what steps to take to ensure your family doesn’t miss out. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or financial advisor, this comprehensive article offers insights and step-by-step instructions to navigate child-related tax credits in 2025.
Child Stimulus Coming Soon
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) |
| Max Amount Per Child | $1,700 for 2024 returns |
| Age Requirement | Child must be under 17 |
| Income Phase-out Starts | $200,000 (single) / $400,000 (married filing jointly) |
| Form Required | IRS Form 1040 + Schedule 8812 |
| Typical Refund Time | Within 21 days (with direct deposit and accurate filing) |
| Official IRS Website | Visit IRS.gov |
While there is no official $1,500 child stimulus being rolled out in May 2025, eligible families can still benefit from the Additional Child Tax Credit, which offers up to $1,700 per child. This credit is real, accessible, and can offer a financial cushion to millions of U.S. households. By understanding eligibility rules, filing properly, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure you receive the maximum refund you qualify for. Don’t wait—if you haven’t filed your 2024 taxes, now is the time to act.
Understanding the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and ACTC
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a federal tax benefit designed to reduce the financial burden of raising children. For the 2024 tax year, families can receive:
- Up to $2,000 per qualifying child
- With up to $1,700 refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) if they don’t owe federal taxes
This means you could still receive a cash refund even if you don’t owe any federal income taxes—something many refer to as a “stimulus.”
What Happened to the $1,500 Stimulus?
There’s no new separate $1,500 stimulus being issued by the IRS in May 2025. However, the ACTC refund often feels like a stimulus for many families, especially those with multiple children. Articles and videos referring to a “$1,500 stimulus” are likely referencing this existing refundable credit, not a new program.
Who Qualifies for the Child Tax Credit in 2025?
To qualify for the Child Tax Credit (CTC) in your 2024 tax filing (submitted in 2025), your child must meet the following:
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: Under age 17 at the end of 2024
- Relationship: Your child, stepchild, foster child, sibling, half-sibling, or a descendant (like a grandchild or niece/nephew)
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or resident alien
- Social Security Number: Must have a valid SSN issued before the due date of your return
- Residency: Lived with you for more than half the year
- Support: Did not provide more than half of their own support
Income Limits
The CTC begins to phase out once your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds:
- $200,000 for single or head of household filers
- $400,000 for married couples filing jointly
Tip: Use IRS tools or consult a tax preparer to estimate your MAGI and potential phase-out impact.
Child Stimulus Coming Soon: How to Claim the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)?
Even if you owe no federal tax, you may still receive up to $1,700 per child as a refundable credit through the ACTC. Here’s how to ensure you claim what you’re owed:
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Gather Your Documents
Make sure you have:
- Your child’s Social Security number
- Proof of residency, like school or medical records
- Your W-2s and income statements
- Bank account info (for direct deposit)
2. File IRS Form 1040
Use the standard IRS tax form. You can file:
- Electronically via IRS Free File
- Through a tax preparer like Jackson Hewitt
- By paper, though this may delay your refund
3. Complete Schedule 8812
This form helps you:
- Calculate your Child Tax Credit
- Determine how much of the credit is refundable as ACTC
4. Choose Direct Deposit
Selecting direct deposit ensures your refund arrives within 21 days, according to the IRS refund schedule.
Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Many families miss out on the ACTC because of small, avoidable errors. Here’s what to double-check:
- Incorrect SSNs or mismatched names
- Forgetting to attach Schedule 8812
- Not reporting foreign income properly
- Using paper filing when electronic is faster
Always review your return or work with a reputable tax professional to avoid delays.
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FAQs on Child Stimulus Coming Soon
Is there really a new $1,500 stimulus in 2025?
No. While some online sources reference a “$1,500 child stimulus,” they are often referring to the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit (ACTC) for 2024.
How much can I get per child?
You may receive up to $2,000 per child, with $1,700 refundable as part of the ACTC for 2024 returns.
When will I receive my refund?
If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, you can typically expect your refund within 21 days of IRS acceptance.
Can I claim this credit if I have no income?
Yes, but only if you have at least $2,500 in earned income. This is the minimum income requirement to qualify for the refundable ACTC.
Where can I get help?
- Visit the IRS CTC page
- Use IRS Free File
- Contact a trusted tax preparer like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt
