The next child tax credit payment will be disbursed next Friday, Aug. 13. But many US families were eligible for July’s payment, but some are still waiting for the extra cash. The advance child tax credit payments can be up to $300 every month for each eligible child, depending on the child’s age and household income. There are a few reasons for the holdup (more below) and steps you can take now to find your missing check. 

If you’re still waiting, it’s a good idea to check the online Update Portal for clues about your payment. If you’ve recently moved or switched banks, you’ll need to update your information on the IRS tool and see if you need to do a payment trace. Another possible reason is that the details on your older tax returns that the IRS is using would’ve disqualified you in previous years. You can also use the portal to update your banking information and other details to help you get your money faster. 

What should eligible parents do now? If your payment is still pending, could that the IRS is still confirming your eligibility? What if your last tax return doesn’t reflect your current cirmcustances — is that a reason to unenroll? We’ll answer these questions and address possible reasons for delays. We’ll also show you how to opt out of the advance monthly checks if you’re worried about repaying the IRS. We’ve recently updated this story. 

Why are some child tax credit checks delayed?

The first child tax credit check was sent on July 15, but some parents are still waiting. Even though child tax credit payments are scheduled to arrive on certain dates, you may not get the money when expected for a few reasons. The IRS may not have an up-to-date mailing address or banking information to send your check. The mailed check may be held up by the US Postal Service or the direct deposit payment may still be being processed. 

It’s also important to note that if you’re a victim of tax-related identity theft, you won’t receive child tax credit payments until those issues have been resolved with the IRS. If the issues aren’t cleared up this year while early payments are disbursed, you’ll get the full amount when you file taxes in 2022. And keep in mind that even if you have unpaid state or federal debt, you should still receive child tax credit payments if you’re eligible. 

Another possible reason your check may be delayed is that your 2020 return is still processing. The IRS is currently working through a backlog of returns. If your information has changed or you had a baby recently, the IRS may not know that they owe you the credit, especially if the tax agency is basing the credit on your 2019 tax return while the latest one is processing. 

How can I contact the IRS about a lost child tax credit check?

If you haven’t received your child tax credit after a few days, you can try to contact the IRS. (We recommend waiting a few days past the payment date to see if your check will arrive in the mail.) The IRS has limited live assistance due to a tax return backlog, and is also still sending out stimulus checks and unemployment tax refunds. You can find answers to frequently asked questions, check eligibility and see if you have a processed payment on the IRS website. Right now, the IRS doesn’t have a separate phone number for child tax credit questions.

My child tax credit check is missing. What should I do?

You can generally expect recurring monthly payments to hit your bank account on the 15th of every month except for August, when it’s scheduled on the 13th. (See the chart below for more.) According to the IRS, you can use the Child Tax Credit Update Portal to see your processed monthly payment history. It’ll be a good way to watch for pending payments that haven’t gone through your bank account yet. 

If you still haven’t received the money you’re owed, see if the Processed Payments section of the Update Portal has any information. If the payment was delivered, make sure your address and banking information are correct — especially if you’ve moved or changed banks.

To check on your payments Slot Online, you’ll need to register with your IRS username and ID.me account information. First-time users will need to have a photo ID (it’s one of the ways the IRS is trying to protect your information from identity theft). We don’t know yet if the portal will display other payment details, such as banking information, amount, the check’s processing date or what could be causing a delay in the payment. 

If you’re checking your bank account, look for the deposit labeled “CHILDCTC.” If your bank has not received the deposit from the IRS, it won’t have any processing information for you if you’re trying to locate your check. If you think there’s an error, start by using the Update Portal to double-check the bank details the IRS has on file, including your account information and routing numbers. 

Child tax credit payment schedule

Monthly	Maximum payment per child 5 and younger	Maximum payment per child age 6 to 17
July 15	$300	$250
Aug. 13	$300	$250
Sept. 15	$300	$250
Oct. 15	$300	$250
Nov. 15	$300	$250
Dec. 15	$300	$250
April 2022: Second half of payment	$1,800	$1,500