280 Seniors, Veterans Risk Losing Rebate Checks, The Day

280 Seniors, Veterans Risk Losing Rebate Checks

Marianne Sullivan

The Day

Blogs: Valley Courier

9/11/08

According to Congressman Joe Courtney’s list, there are more than 200 seniors–208 to be exact–in Chester, Deep River, and Essex who have not claimed their economic stimulus rebate checks, checks to which they are entitled.

There are another 72 area residents, disabled veterans, who are also entitled to the rebate checks but have not received them, Courtney said.

Senior citizens and some veterans who normally do not file income tax returns, and who did not file this year, are in danger of losing the economic stimulus rebate check mailed to millions of households across the country earlier this year.

“These senior citizens and disabled veterans must act before Oct. 15 to receive the tax free rebate check, money that is theirs,” Courtney said.

In a town-by-town listing of unclaimed economic stimulus rebate checks released by Courtney, there are 96 residents in Chester who have not filed claims for rebate checks. Of those 96, 83 are 65 years of age or older. In Deep River there are 72 residents, including 46 seniors, who have not received the tax free checks. In Essex, there are 112 residents who have not received checks. Of those, 79 are seniors.

“To receive the economic stimulus check, a senior or a veteran must file a form. Perhaps these residents are ones that don’t earn a paycheck or have income sufficient to file a regular tax return with the IRS. If they did not file, they did not receive the check to which they are entitled,” Brian Farber of Courtney’s office explained. “We will help them with that.”

Courtney and House Democrats fought to include senior citizens and disabled veterans who earned $3,000 or more from Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits when Congress was debating the economic stimulus bill. Under the bill, individuals receive up to $600 and a married couple up to $1,200, tax free. There is also a provision for $300 per child.

“A benefit that is not claimed is no benefit at all,” Farber said. “With the winter approaching, with the costs for gas and food and fuel increasing, an economic stimulus check can make a difference.”

Courtney said he has hired additional staff to work directly with seniors and veterans to help them secure and file the necessary form. In order to receive the check from the Internal Revenue Service this year, eligible residents must apply on or before Oct. 15. Persons with questions are urged to call Courtney’s office at 860-886-0139.