CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is encouraging residents of Chicago’s West Side check their eligibility for the federal Child Tax Credit, even if they did not file taxes in the last two years.

“I encourage families that are eligible to take advantage of this opportunity,” Van Pelt said. “By filling out the non-filer application on the IRS website, you can still get relief, even if you did not file taxes in 2019 or 2020.”

Data provided by the White House shows that there are hundreds of residents in the 5^th District who did not file taxes in 2019 and 2020 who are eligible to sign up as non-filers to receive the Child Tax Credit. People with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers or Social Security Numbers can apply. Additional information and the application can be found on the White House website.

The Child Tax Credit will provide families with children under 6 years old $2,000 to $3,600 per child, and families with children from ages 6 to 17 $2,000 to $3,000 per child. To get money into people’s bank accounts earlier, the IRS will be sending families half of their 2021 Child Tax Credit as a monthly payment of $250 to $300 per child through the end of the year. Those who filed taxes in 2019 and 2020 should receive those payments automatically.

“Payments started on July 15, but families who sign up as non-filers can still get the full amount of this credit whenever they sign up,” Van Pelt said. “This credit can be a huge relief after a long, hard year. I strongly encourage families to check their eligibility.”

Families can check their eligibility on the IRS website and sign up as non-filers at any time.