$300 Monthly Child Tax Credit in April 2025? Eligibility, Payment Dates, and the Truth Behind the Claims

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) has provided crucial financial relief to millions of American families. As we move into April 2025, there’s growing interest—and some confusion—surrounding renewed claims of $300 monthly payments for families with children.

Is this true? Who qualifies? When would payments be sent? Here’s what you need to know about the latest updates, eligibility requirements, payment schedules, and the truth behind the headlines.

What Is the Child Tax Credit (CTC)?

The Child Tax Credit is a federal benefit designed to help families offset the costs of raising children. Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the CTC was temporarily expanded, increasing the amount to up to $3,600 annually per child and allowing advance monthly payments of up to $300 per child. That expansion expired in 2022, but discussions about reviving or modifying it have continued into 2025.

Are $300 Monthly Payments Returning in April 2025?

As of April 2025, Congress has not passed any new legislation to reintroduce monthly CTC payments at the $300 level. However, there have been ongoing negotiations in Washington regarding a modified version of the Child Tax Credit, possibly tied to tax reforms and budget proposals.

In early 2025, a bill was introduced in the House to restore monthly payments of up to $300 per child under age 6, and $250 per child aged 6–17, but the legislation has not yet passed the Senate. While some media outlets and online posts have claimed that monthly payments will begin this month, those claims are inaccurate at this time.

CTC Eligibility Criteria in 2025

Although monthly payments haven’t been reinstated yet, families can still claim the Child Tax Credit when filing their taxes. Here are the eligibility requirements:

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Child’s Age	Under 17 years old at the end of the tax year
Relationship	Child must be your son, daughter, stepchild, sibling, or dependent descendent
Residency	Must live with you for more than half the year
Income Limits (2024 Tax Year)	$200,000 single / $400,000 married filing jointly
Social Security Number Requirement	Child must have a valid SSN

Note: The IRS reduces the credit for high earners. Full credit may not be available if your income exceeds the thresholds listed.

Can You Still Receive CTC in 2025?

Yes—while monthly payments are not currently active, you can still claim the full Child Tax Credit when filing your 2024 taxes (due by April 15, 2025). The credit currently stands at $2,000 per qualifying child, with up to $1,600 refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) if your tax liability is low.

Potential Monthly CTC Payments in the Future

A proposed bipartisan tax package introduced in early 2025 includes a return to monthly CTC payments starting later this year, depending on congressional approval. If passed, the payments would begin as early as July 2025, not April. Here’s what has been proposed:

• $300/month for each child under 6
• $250/month for children aged 6–17
• Income phaseouts starting at $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers
• Advance monthly payments like those offered in 2021

As of now, these provisions are not law, and families should not expect payments in April 2025 unless the bill passes.

Payment Dates: What to Expect

If the expanded monthly Child Tax Credit is approved, advance monthly payments may resume with a schedule similar to 2021. Here’s a tentative idea of what it could look like:

• Start Date (If Passed): July 15, 2025 (tentative)
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Delivery Methods: Direct deposit, paper check, or prepaid debit card
• IRS Portal: Likely reintroduced for updating bank info and tracking payments

Until then, your next opportunity to receive the CTC is through your 2024 tax return, filed by the April 15, 2025 deadline.

Fact Check: Debunking Viral Claims

Some websites and social media accounts have falsely claimed that $300 monthly payments have resumed in April 2025. These claims are not accurate and not supported by any official announcement from the IRS or U.S. Treasury.

To verify legitimate updates:

• Visit the official IRS Child Tax Credit page
• Watch for press releases from the U.S. Department of Treasury
• Avoid relying on unverified social media or suspicious email alerts

Final Thoughts

While the Child Tax Credit remains an essential support for many families, $300 monthly payments have not resumed as of April 2025. Families can still benefit from the $2,000 annual credit by filing their taxes and staying informed about future legislative changes.

Keep an eye on Congress—if lawmakers pass the new bill, monthly payments could return later this year. Until then, be cautious about online rumors, and consult the IRS or a trusted tax professional for accurate guidance.

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