Automatic $2,000 child tax credit is ‘still there’ for millions in 2022 – here’s the status on a January $300 check

AUTOMATIC child tax credit payments worth up to $2,000 “are still there” for millions of struggling Americans, a top Democratic senator says.

The child tax credit program was temporarily expanded from $2,000 to $3,600 last year by President Biden.

Six monthly checks, worth up to $300 per child, were sent to around 35million families in total.

The final round of payments was deposited on December 15.

But, the expanded scheme has since come to an end as Biden’s $2trillion Build Back Better legislation remains stalled in Congress after Senator Joe Manchin revealed he couldn’t support the plan.

But, tax credits, worth up to $2,000, remain available to families, Politico reports.

Manchin told reporters: “People think it’s all gone by the wayside – that hasn’t happened. The child tax credit is still there.”

But, families will not receive a check, worth $300, this month.

The Biden administration still hasn’t given up on the Build Back Better plan, officials say.

It's possible that the bill could be broken up into smaller pieces of legislation and passed bit by bit.

Read our child tax credit live blog for the very latest news and updates...

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said officials are working to help families.

She touted the idea that a double payment could be sent to cash-strapped Americans in February.

Psaki said: "If we get it done in January, we’ve talked to Treasury officials and others about doing double payments in February as an option."

Most eligible families with kids under six received a monthly amount of $300 per child.

Those with dependents between the ages of six and 17 pocketed an extra $250 per child.

Families that received advance payments will be able to claim up to $1,800 per kid when parents file their tax returns.

'DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR MAIL'

Parents that decided to opt-out of monthly tax credits could receive up to $3,600 per child.

Meanwhile, Americans have been warned not to throw away an IRS letter that officials say will help them receive their child tax credit in full.

Letters will continue to be mailed out until the end of the month.

Americans are strongly advised to keep this and any previous letters about child tax credits with their tax records.

IRS bosses said in a statement: “These letters can help taxpayers, or their tax professional, prepare their 2021 federal tax return.”

Families can also access the CTC update portal online via IRS.gov to access the information.