“Everyone should have the ability to provide for and care for their families. The CTC will help all families succeed, from working families struggling with basic needs to middle-class families that need help with childcare and college savings.” – Jody Blaylock Chong, Associate Director of Heartland Alliance’s Impact Division.
If you want to strengthen communities, strengthen families first. That’s why we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and health of families through economic opportunity. Heartland Alliance sees the new Child Tax Credit as a critical tool for success in difficult times, and our social workers and policy advocates have been working tirelessly to ensure families are connected to these payments.
For people like Serena, a participant in our Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program, the CTC is welcome relief after a turbulent year. As a certified mediator and a mother of two, she had to navigate a digital world in both her professional life and the educational lives of her boys.
“You know, right now I definitely needed something to help me monthly. Work really slowed down over the year, and my family just made a new move,” said Serena. “This will help us make ends meet.”
But the rollout of the new tax credit has left confusion for many. When Serena saw a significant increase in her checking account from the US Government, she wasn’t sure if it was a new stimulus check or a mistake. Like many, Serena was hesitant to spend the cash at first.
Fortunately, she could reach out to her financial coach at the FSS program that same day.
“As soon as I could confirm with my case manager, I had such a huge sense of relief.”
Serena is using the direct cash payment to set her family up for success as we return to a new normal. With the boys going back to school – physically back to school – it’s time to buy some new clothes and supplies (along with perhaps some Hotwheels cars for the youngest). She’s also setting aside some of the payments in a savings account for her oldest, who is beginning college in the coming months.
“I remember when I started, that I was pretty alone. I’m setting some aside for him so he knows he’s supported.”
As the family moves forward into this brave new world, she knows she’s being supported as well. Her FSS 
supports have helped her navigate the pandemic financially, and even assisted her plans to become a professional mediator. Now, as people return to the real world and business picks up, Serena is confident that her family is on solid footing for whatever comes next.
“What I need, and what all of this work is bringing me towards, is more stability. It’s going to be an interesting few years, but I’m always up for the task.”
For parents who have yet to receive their CTC payments:
If you have children and have very little earned income or no earned income in 2020, you are likely eligible for the CTC, but you may need to take action in order to receive it! You can check if you’re enrolled in the advanced monthly CTC payments through the CTC Update Portal. And if you’re not enrolled, use the Non-Filer Sign-Up Tool on the IRS website as soon as possible to let the IRS know you are eligible for the advance payments. You can use this guide to help! The Get My Payment Illinois coalition is here to help – if you have any questions, call our free hotline at 888-553-9777.
