Filed return. Have a dependent. Income isn’t taxable. Not eligible for CTC credit?

kelsiwood32 · ‎February 12, 2026

DaveF1006

It depends. You must have at least $2,500 in Earned Income (wages, tips, or self-employment) to qualify for any part of the credit. Earned income is any income that is derived from working.

Any other income such as Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Child Support, VA Benefits, Unemployment, or Pensions does not count as earned income for claiming the Child Tax Credit.

Also, the child must be under the age of 17 in 2025 in order to claim the child tax credit.

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xmasbaby0

The refundable portion of the child tax credit, which is called the additional child tax credit, is based on having income from working. If you did not work you are not eligible for the ACTC. You have not mentioned what kind of income you had that "isn't taxable." If you do not have taxable income then a credit has no effect.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

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Filed return. Have a dependent. Income isn’t taxable. Not eligible for CTC credit?