Starting in Summer 2021, the Child Tax Credit was released to parents in increments to help families during the pandemic. The Child Tax Credit expansion was included in the Build Back Better Act and was said to benefit nearly 90% of children in the country. The legislation allowed for parents to receive up to $300 a month for each child under the age of six and $250 each month for each child between six and 17. These amounts made up half the total credit amount which means the other half will need to be claimed on your 2021 income tax return.