First, let’s be clear: it is not a good idea to take tax advise from someone who doesn’t DO taxes, and I DON”T do taxes. Second, you should be talking to an accountant or a professional tax preparer about these issues. Third, the BEST thing I can do for you and anyone else who is curious is take you directly to the Form you will need. Click here >> http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf and go get the Form from the “tax man” himself.

Are you still here? If you are still here, this is the closest I can come to addressing (not answering) your question. This is MY UNDERSTANDING of the way it works:
Tax credits are fairly straightforward. If you qualify and if you file, they send you a refund.
If you have already filed your return for 2009, ask your tax preparer if you need to file an Amended Return and send it in. If so, they will send you a check.
IF YOU OWE the IRS money, they will take it out of the check before they send the balance (unless you owe them more than they owe you).
If you have not filed your return, and have done what is required to qualify for the credit, your tax preparer can include the appropriate form as a part of the overall tax return, and the credit should be included in the mix. Refund if they owe you; less tax if you owe them.

Let me say this ONE MORE TIME: I don’t give tax advise, and I don’t do taxes, and your accountant or tax preparer might tell you that I don’t know what I’m talking about. So ask a tax professional. You might just get a bigger refund.