To boost the flagging economy, Congress authorized economic stimulus payments that eligible households can claim by filing a 2007 tax return. However, the IRS identified about 20 million low-income seniors, disabled veterans and others with disabilities who are not otherwise required to file a tax return and, as a result, are at risk of missing out
on their $300 payments ($600 for married couples).

Because many seniors, veterans and disabled have too little income, or only receive non-taxable benefits like Social Security and veterans disability benefits, they are not normally required to file a tax return. But if they don’t file one this year, they won’t get the special “rebate” they’re entitled.

With the cost of energy, food and other expenses on the rise, the economic stimulus payments are as critical as ever, and efforts to make it easier to file for payments are badly needed. Eligible people have until October 15, 2008 to file for their payments.

The Piton Foundation, which sponsors a statewide campaign to inform low-income families about tax credits they may be eligible for, has compiled a list of sites across the state that are helping prepare tax returns for people who could be eligible for the economic stimulus payment; the list is available on Piton’s web site or by dialing 2-1-1.

Call United Way’s 2-1-1 to find out if you are eligible for the economic stimulus payments or tell friends, family, co-workers, neighbors that they can find out more information at United Way’s 2-1-1.

*Source: Internal Revenue Service at irs.gov and The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities at cbpp.org.