i am confused with the new CTC for parents with no ss#, i know they don't qualify any more but my software is calculating the credit as other dependents. is this right?

Child Tax Credit (as much as $2,200, with up to $1,700 refundable)  -- not eligible with ITIN.

Credit for Other Dependents ($500) -- eligible with ITIN.  

Two different credits.  

Here are the requirements for ODC from IRS. She could be eligible for the ODC. 

Taxpayers with dependents who don't qualify for the Child Tax Credit may be able to claim the Credit for Other Dependents. They can claim this credit in addition to the Child and Dependent Care Credit and the Earned Income Credit.

The maximum credit amount is $500 for each dependent who meets certain conditions. This credit can be claimed for:

• Dependents of any age, including those who are age 18 or older.
• Dependents who have Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers.
• Dependent parents or other qualifying relatives supported by the taxpayer.
• Dependents living with the taxpayer who aren't related to the taxpayer.

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@scarbajal wrote:
customer HOH with ITIN, 2 kids, and she i getting credit as other dependents. i this right?

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No, it is NOT right.

Previous law only required the child to have a SSN, but the parents were allowed to have either an ITIN or a SSN.

Current law requires at least one parent to have a valid SSN.

here is another source from IRS dated 11/2025. link: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-tax-credit

Who qualifies for the Credit for Other Dependents

If you do not meet the criteria to claim the Child Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, you may qualify for the Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) for your child or dependent. They must:

• Be claimed as a dependent on your tax return.
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien.
• Have a Social Security number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN).