You can access the following state agencies and Child Tax Credit guidance as a Google doc here.

The 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion provides a historic opportunity to reduce child poverty in the United States by more than 40 percent. Nearly every family is eligible to receive the expanded Child Tax Credit this year, including families who haven’t filed a tax return and families who don’t have recent income.

Each qualifying household is eligible to receive $3,600 for each child under 6 years old, and $3,000 for each child between 6 and 17 years old. The credit is not a loan. It does not change eligibility for public benefits. Families can receive half of their new credit in 2021 and the remaining half in 2022 when they file a tax return.

While most families will receive advance CTC payments automatically (these are called “advance payments” because they come before next year’s tax filing deadline), roughly 4 million or more children are in families that may need assistance signing up for the payments and filing a tax return to get the remaining credit in 2022.

Administrators of programs that serve families with low incomes are uniquely positioned for CTC outreach. State agencies can use existing contact information to conduct targeted outreach to families who may not have a tax filing requirement and will likely need help to sign up for the CTC. While agencies continue to navigate competing priorities, a robust outreach campaign could bring millions of dollars in much needed support to many of your state’s most vulnerable families.

Here are five ways state agencies can engage CTC outreach efforts.

1. Post CTC information online. Agencies can add information about the CTC and how to get it to websites, online portals, and mobile apps.
2. Incorporate CTC information in phone interactions. Record a hold message for callers waiting to connect to call centers. Provide call and voicemail scripts for staff who speak directly with clients.
3. Include CTC messaging in written client communications. Send newsletters, emails or text messages to clients alerting them about the CTC and how to get it. Include flyers or postcards in regular mailings. Use multilingual materials available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
4. Post CTC info on social media. Use this social media toolkit to share information about the CTC on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Use this multilingual social media toolkit to share content in Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
5. Provide CTC information in your office. Agencies that have resumed in-person operations can display CTC flyers in waiting areas. Agencies with application kiosks can provide computer access to GetCTC.org and assist clients with the process, or encourage clients to use the chat function in GetCTC.org, where they can connect to an IRS-certified volunteer for help.