Mayor Mallory and I yesterday jointly announced something I hope readers will help us spread the word on.
The United Way recently informed me that Hamilton County, and Cincinnati in particular, are one of the highest ranked urban areas (18th) in the number of eligible seniors and veterans who have NOT filed for and received their economic stimulus payment (which resulted from one of the few things that Congress and the President were able to agree on this year).
More than 17,000 veterans and Social Security retirees in Hamilton County could miss out on hundreds of dollars owed to them. Of these potential recipients, more than 16,000 live in the City of Cincinnati. And there are surely others missing out as well. With rising gas, health and food prices, the stimulus dollars will provide a real boost to many folks.
And multiplying these numbers by the $300-$600 for which every citizen is eligible, our local economy is missing out on millions of dollars collectively.
That's the bad news. The good news is that it's not too late to change this. People can still file by the deadline of Oct. 15, 2008 in order to receive a payment THIS year.
Individuals or families must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income, which can be income from Social Security benefits or Veterans benefits.
Filing is very simple. To get information on doing so, citizens should call United Way 211 (Dial 2-1-1), or contact the IRS directly and toll-free at 1-800-829-1040. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:00am-10:00pm. To receive face-to-face help from the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Cincinnati, visit one of the following locations Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm:
550 Main Street, Cincinnati, Oh 45202
9075 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester, OH 45069
If you have a hunch that someone you know may not be aware of the stimulus package, please help spread the word.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
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The numbers also include those receiving disability due to mental retardation, blindness, disease, emotional disturbances, etc. -- it may be very beneficial to have organizations and gov't bodies administering these benefits to take a proactive direction.
It would be very helpful to educate people on what impact the stimulus check will have on their benefits - which should be none.
Possibly the state could put an enclosure in benefit distributions on the first of the month???
If there's a listing - why don't we use it to facilitate receipt of the funds?
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