You can get up to $3,630 extra in benefits during Covid – are you missing out?

STRUGGLING households can get up to $3,630 in extra benefits during the coronavirus pandemic.

This is thanks to three federal support packages, which have been rolled out to help households get by financially.

According to an analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, they give households in the lowest 20% of earners an income boost of 33%.

It means these households, which earn $21,300 or less, get an extra $3,590.

Meanwhile, the fourth 20% of households get an average of $3,630 in extra federal cash, but it only represents a 4.3% boost in their overall earnings.

The bottom 20% of taxpayers get less in benefits than the fourth 20% due to being smaller households on average, according to the analysis.

The data was based on what a taxpayer in each income category could expect from various credits, and don't include the first two stimulus checks.

The American Rescue Plan was made into law in March, and the research has resurfaced as some support packages were recently rolled out.

Below we round up the help - and how to make sure you're not missing out.

Third stimulus check - $1,400

Batches of the third stimulus checks worth $1,400 have landed in bank accounts and in mailboxes since earlier this year.

The latest round of cash starts to be phased out for individual tax payers who earn $75,000 a year.

But once you hit the $80,000 annual gross income (AGI) limit, you won't be able eligible for the help at all.

The support is also phased out completely for married couples earning a combined $160,000.

Like the single-taxpayer cut off, there's a $120,000 AGI cap on how much heads of households can earn to be eligible for the help.

The cash is issued automatically if you've filed a tax return. If you haven't received yours yet, we explain what to do.

Child tax credit - Up to $3,600

The expanded child tax credits are worth $3,600 for every child under the age of six this year and $3,000 for every child aged six to 17.

Additionally, those with dependents between the ages of 18 and 24 who are enrolled in college full-time can receive $500 for each.

The cash is automatically issued as monthly advance installments of up to $300 per child, unless you opt out.

If you're eligible for child tax credits and you've filed a recent tax return, you'll get the payments automatically by the IRS.

However, if you don't file a tax return, you'll need to register through the IRS tool.

You typically don't have to file a tax return if you earn less than $12,200 a year as a single taxpayer or $24,400 as a married couple filing jointly.

However, it does vary depending on age and other factors too so make sure to double-check.

Earned income tax credit - $1,502

The earned income tax credit (EITC) has also been boosted in 2021 to help workers without children.

The maximum credit was previously worth $543, but has been expanded to $1,502 for this year only.

The income thresholds have also been raised - up from $16,000 a year to about $21,000 a year for taxpayers filing their returns individually.

While married couples can now earn up to $27,000 a year in combined income - up from $22,000 previously, according to the Tax Policy Center.

Plus, the minimum eligibility age has been lowered from 25 to 19 for most workers, to 24 for students attending school at least half-time, and to 18 for former foster children and homeless youth.

The restriction on filers ages 65 and older claiming the credit has also been removed.

EITC is used to offset any taxes owed, or you'll get a refund if it's worth more than what you owe the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

To claim it, you must file a tax return, even if you don't owe any tax or aren't required to file.

You can more details about how to apply on the official benefits.gov website.

Struggling renters can get help with rent and bills for up to 18 months as part of emergency coronavirus support.

We also explain how to get help as other major Covid support measures come to an end.

Plus, we reveal how to get help worth $1,000s if you're struggling to pay household bills.