Gloria Lawlah, Secretary, Maryland Department of Aging
On February 13, 2008, President Bush signed into law a 2008 economic stimulus package designed to aid economic recovery. Low-income seniors who rely primarily on their Social Security checks, as well as seniors who receive Railroad Retirement benefits, veterans’ disability benefits, pension or survivors benefits may be eligible for stimulus checks. The following information may help you determine your eligibility and what steps you need to take.
Q. Who is eligible?
A. According to the recently announced “stimulus package,” more than 130 million households nationally will receive a one-time check from the IRS. To qualify, an individual, couple, or family should have received an income of $3,000 or more in 2007 from wages or pensions. Social Security payments alone can qualify you, as well as Railroad Retirement or veterans benefits. To receive your “rebate,” you must file a 2007 tax return. Low-income seniors who are not required to file and owe no tax may still qualify for a $300 or more rebate.
Q. Does Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits count?
A. SSI benefits do not count toward the $3,000 income. However, if you received enough income from other sources, having some SSI income is OK. If you do receive SSI or any other needs-based benefits (such as food stamps or TANF), receiving the rebate will not affect these benefits.
Q. I paid no taxes in 2007, will I receive a rebate?
A. Because the payment is not truly a “rebate,” you can receive it even if you owe no income tax. How much will I get? Single taxpayers who qualify will receive at least $300. Couples may receive $600. If you have dependent children, you can receive more. People with very high incomes will receive less or none.
Q. What should I do to apply for the rebate?
A. Many low-income individuals who receive Social Security do not normally have to file a tax return, but this year is different. You should use form 1040 or 1040A. You may also be able to file electronically. Go to Internal Revenue Service for information. It’s best to file by April 15, but extensions are possible. Rebate checks will be sent throughout 2008.
Q. If I need help filing my taxes, where do I go?
A. You can get free help with tax returns from the AARP Tax Aide Program by calling 1-888-687-2277 or visit the website at: www.AARP Tax-Aide; the Maryland Senior Legal Hotline by calling 1-800-896-4213 Ext.7750, or visit the website at: California Senior Legal Hotline. You may also contact the Maryland Department of Aging at 1-800-243-3425 or visit the website at: www.mdoa.state.md.us; or contact your local Area Agency on Aging for assistance.
Information provided, in part, courtesy of the Senior Legal Hotline.
On February 13, 2008, President Bush signed into law a 2008 economic stimulus package designed to aid economic recovery. Low-income seniors who rely primarily on their Social Security checks, as well as seniors who receive Railroad Retirement benefits, veterans’ disability benefits, pension or survivors benefits may be eligible for stimulus checks. The following information may help you determine your eligibility and what steps you need to take.
Q. Who is eligible?
A. According to the recently announced “stimulus package,” more than 130 million households nationally will receive a one-time check from the IRS. To qualify, an individual, couple, or family should have received an income of $3,000 or more in 2007 from wages or pensions. Social Security payments alone can qualify you, as well as Railroad Retirement or veterans benefits. To receive your “rebate,” you must file a 2007 tax return. Low-income seniors who are not required to file and owe no tax may still qualify for a $300 or more rebate.
Q. Does Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits count?
A. SSI benefits do not count toward the $3,000 income. However, if you received enough income from other sources, having some SSI income is OK. If you do receive SSI or any other needs-based benefits (such as food stamps or TANF), receiving the rebate will not affect these benefits.
Q. I paid no taxes in 2007, will I receive a rebate?
A. Because the payment is not truly a “rebate,” you can receive it even if you owe no income tax. How much will I get? Single taxpayers who qualify will receive at least $300. Couples may receive $600. If you have dependent children, you can receive more. People with very high incomes will receive less or none.
Q. What should I do to apply for the rebate?
A. Many low-income individuals who receive Social Security do not normally have to file a tax return, but this year is different. You should use form 1040 or 1040A. You may also be able to file electronically. Go to Internal Revenue Service for information. It’s best to file by April 15, but extensions are possible. Rebate checks will be sent throughout 2008.
Q. If I need help filing my taxes, where do I go?
A. You can get free help with tax returns from the AARP Tax Aide Program by calling 1-888-687-2277 or visit the website at: www.AARP Tax-Aide; the Maryland Senior Legal Hotline by calling 1-800-896-4213 Ext.7750, or visit the website at: California Senior Legal Hotline. You may also contact the Maryland Department of Aging at 1-800-243-3425 or visit the website at: www.mdoa.state.md.us; or contact your local Area Agency on Aging for assistance.
Information provided, in part, courtesy of the Senior Legal Hotline.
