Economic Stimulus Package--Encouraging Long Term Care Residents and Kinship Caregivers to Apply

Paul Stern, Long Term Care Ombudsman Volunteer

Most of us who file taxes regularly and on time have already received our Economic Stimulus check from the IRS.  However, many seniors are not aware that they are eligible for the government’s Economic Stimulus Package, particularly residents of long term care facilities. 

Family and friends are urged to reach out to long-term care residents who may not realize they are eligible for the Economic Stimulus payment. _______________________

The AARP and the IRS are asking friends and family to reach out to those who may not be aware of the payment or who may need assistance in filling out the form. You can apply for the payment by simply filing a tax return, and both AARP and the IRS have on-line tools to help make this process easier.

An individual who qualifies will receive at least $300, with a maximum of $600. Grandparents and other relatives caring for grandchildren or children may also be eligible for an additional $300 per child. 

A resident in a long term care facility who is on Medicaid may receive the rebate and not have it affect his/her eligibility for payment under Medicaid so long as the person spends the rebate within three months. For example, the person receives the rebate on January 22. That person has until the end of March to spend the rebate.

Generally, people must have a valid Social Security number, have at least $3,000 in qualified income and not be a dependent or eligible to be a dependent on someone else's return. If you have questions about eligibility requirements, please visit the Economic Stimulus Payment Information Center on the IRS website for more information.

If you normally do not file taxes, AARP and the National Council on Aging have developed a simple on-line tool, which is a simplified version of the 1040A form. The tool is only for people who have no legal requirement to file a tax return but who must file a return this year in order to receive a 2008 economic stimulus payment. 

Grandparents and other relatives caring for a child under the age of 17 must complete a regular Form 1040A and cannot use the simplified version. The IRS and the Free Tax Alliance provide a free on-line tool called "Free File" to help prepare and file this form. 

Once the tax return is filed, you don't need to do anything else. The IRS will do the rest, sending the economic stimulus payments via direct deposit or based on the address information provided.

For individuals who have filed their 2007 income tax, no action is necessary. Individuals who have not filed have until October 15, 2008 to qualify for their Economic Stimulus check.

For more information, or for assistance in completing the forms, contact AARP or the IRS: AARP Tax-Aide 1-888-227-7669 IRS Taxpayer Assistance 1-866-234-2942

Note: Community advocates and others who are interested in helping their clients receive the stimulus check are invited to a training session on Wednesday, August 13 from 10-11:30 at United Way. Attendees will learn how to prepare the simple Form 1040 and will strategize with the IRS, community providers and other partners about an effective outreach response. Please RSVP to Courtney Noble at cnoble@uwkc.org or call 206-461-5048 with any questions.