PEABODY — City Hall doesn't want senior citizens and veterans to leave money on the table.
Mayor Michael Bonfanti yesterday announced that the city was stepping up its outreach to the 1,300 seniors and disabled veterans in Peabody who may be eligible for an economic stimulus tax payment from the government but have yet to file the necessary paperwork.
"We'll do whatever we can to get people to file," Mayoral Aide Sean Fitzgerald said yesterday. "We're going to be very, very vigilant in trying to reach every person."
The Peabody Municipal Light Plant will be sending home notices with the municipal light bill to all subscribers in the city, reminding them of the opportunity to file to receive a check for at least $300. The form that has to be filed is available at the mayor's office and the Office of Veteran's Services in City Hall. People can also pick it up at the Torigian Community Life Center. Help filling out the form is available at all locations, Fitzgerald said.
The Torigian Community Life Center, at 79 Central St., will be providing extra technical assistance for residents between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The center will also have information about the stimulus payment at its booth during the International Festival and its open house on October 4.
In February, Congress passed the Economic Stimulus Act that provided for payments of $300 to $600 for taxpayers who normally file a tax return. The also law created a special category for people who may not file a tax return because their income is too low or nontaxable.
Individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income, which can include Social Security payments, Veterans Affairs benefits, and earned income to qualify for the tax rebate.
More than 5,000 senior citizens and disabled veterans on the North Shore are missing out on at least $300, according to the Internal Revenue Service. The deadline to file for a payment is Oct. 15.
Councilor-at-Large Anne Manning urged people to encourage someone they know who might qualify to contact the city.
"As a community we can all do a little bit more to help our veterans and seniors. These people are friends, neighbors, and loved ones, it's important that we look out for one another," Manning said in a press release.
Residents can call 978-531-2254 with questions.
