Stimulus-payment help offered to retirees, disabled vets

By Paul Leighton
Staff writer

September 17, 2008 05:36 am

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PEABODY — A Peabody-based agency is offering free assistance for retirees and disabled veterans who still haven't claimed their economic stimulus payment.

The North Shore Community Action Programs will hold a free clinic tomorrow from 1 to 4 p.m. at its office at 98 Main St.

As of mid-June, more than 150,000 retirees and disabled veterans in Massachusetts had yet to claim their stimulus payment, which is $300 for an individual, $600 for married couples and an additional $300 for each eligible child under 17.

Many of those people are on Social Security and do not normally file tax returns, but they must fill out a return in order to receive their stimulus payment. The deadline to file is Oct. 15.

For tomorrow's clinic, participants should bring a Social Security card; a driver's license or state identification card, including a spouse's and child's; and W-2 and other wage statements, including Social Security, Veterans Administration and railroad benefits. Bank account information will be needed for direct-deposit requests.

Those not able to make the clinic can still apply for their stimulus payment by filing a federal income tax Form 1040A by Oct. 15. The form and instructions are available on the IRS Web site, www.irs.gov, or at local IRS offices.

For more information on the clinic, call NSCAP at 978-531-0767.