33% of Ohioans missing out on child tax credit

Only two-thirds of eligible Ohio families received their expanded child tax credit payments between July and September, according to analysis by the Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis.

• An estimated 92% of Ohio families, with 2.3 million kids, are eligible.
• After Monday, receiving the credit will become more complicated for non-tax-filers, so organizations are helping families with last-minute sign-ups so they don't miss out.

Why it matters: The extra money is helping Ohioans pay down debts, buy food and clothing and cover essential bills, per the analysis. The Biden administration has laid out a plan to extend the monthly payments for an additional year, beyond December.

How it works: A total yearly payment for the 2021 tax season is up to $3,600 for each child younger than 6 and $3,000 for ages 6-17.

• Since July, half of those funds have been divided into automatic monthly payments for people who filed taxes in 2019 or 2020, as well as people who signed up to receive stimulus checks. For now, the second half will come when they file 2021 taxes.
• But non-tax-filing families — such as those with very low incomes — only get payments if they opt in.

What they're saying: "This child tax credit is a significant down-payment on ending child poverty," Katherine Ungar, policy associate with Children's Defense Fund Ohio, tells Axios. "But those families that stand to benefit the most ... are also the families most at risk for missing out."

What's next: An online portal for signups is open through Monday, requiring just basic information like names, dates of birth and social security numbers. After that, families who haven't enrolled will have to wait until 2022 and file a 2021 tax return to access their tax credit.

• If you or someone you know needs help signing up: Email Children's Defense Fund Ohio at [email protected].
• In Columbus, Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, Our Lady of Guadalupe Center and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. are also assisting families, including translating.