Get the Credit You Deserve: A Guide to Navigating the Child Tax Credit During Tax Season 2023

The US tax season has begun, with millions filing individual returns. The popular Child Tax Credit provides support to families with dependents and can be claimed with Social Security or Supplemental Security Income without affecting eligibility for Social Security Administration programs, as reported by AS on January 27, 2023. To claim the CTC, individuals need to list dependents on Form 1040 and attach Schedule 8812.

To be eligible for the CTC, the dependent must be under the age of 16, live with the claimant for at least half the year, and not provide more than half of their financial support. The dependent must also be a US citizen, national, or resident alien and cannot file a joint return with a spouse.

The eligibility and amount of the Child Tax Credit can be determined through the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant online tool. Individuals with an annual income above $200,000 or $400,000 for joint filers may not be eligible for the full credit but may still receive a partial credit.

Conversely, according to the official website of the SSA, Social Security benefits will be suspended for those who are jailed for more than 30 days and resume upon release, except for Supplemental Security Income, which requires reapplication after a year. Family members’ payments won’t be impacted. Jails can help reinstate benefits if they have an agreement with the Social Security Administration.

Incarcerated individuals can start reapplying for benefits before release with help from the penal institution. Refer to “What Prisoners Need to Know” for more information.