Hoping to get a government stimulus payment?
For all but a segment of Americans, there will be no stimulus payments this year.
Social security recipients are likely the only residents who will see individual payments from the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The stimulus money is a fairly modest $250 payment for the nearly 55 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries.
The money is earmarked to help elderly or disabled residents — some of whom may not have been eligible for last year’s round of economic stimulus payments.
“The purpose of the payment is to put money back into the pockets of people,” said Wes Davis regional communications director for the Dallas Social Security region.
Davis said the Treasury Department will begin administering the one-time payments next month. All qualified recipients should receive their checks or direct deposits by late May.
Most dependents and representative payees will not get the $250 payments, Davis said.
For example, a child who receives a social security payment in connection with a parent’s disability will not qualify for the stimulus money.
The disabled parent, however, will get the payment.
Those who are eligible for the stimulus checks include residents who receive social security benefits based on their work records, disabled beneficiaries (both children and adults), residents on Supplemental Security Income — a Social Security program for aged or disabled individuals with limited incomes, and those who get railroad or veteran’s retirement benefits, Davis said.
He said the payments are scheduled to begin in May and will not be included in the recipient’s monthly allotment.
“The checks or direct deposits will be a separate payment. It they receive their benefit as a check each month, the money will arrive as a separate check. If they use direct deposit — and we do encourage direct deposit — the payment will be a separate deposit,” Davis said.
He said the agency will disperse the stimulus payments on a staggered schedule.
Davis also advises recipients to be patient.
“If there is a delay and someone thinks they are eligible, we ask that they wait until the first week of June before contacting us (regarding the payment),” he said.
He said it is also important to note that individuals will receive just one payment.
“Even though you could potentially be eligible under multiple programs, you will only receive one payment,” Davis said.
President Obama signed the economic recovery measure into law in February.
It is designed to create or save jobs and includes measures to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.
For more information on the stimulus programs or to find other information about social security see http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.
Local News
Social Security recipients can expect stimulus checks
- Local News
-
-
League announces district realignment
The wait is over and the scrambling began early Thursday morning with the release of the University Interscholastic League’s biennial realignment.
-
Child advocate volunteers needed for court hearings
Recruitment continues from local members of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) North Texas.
-
Sister remembers her brother's good humor
Word of the sudden death of a well-liked seventh-grader at Gainesville Middle School has left students, faculty, and staff grieving.
-
Teachers, students anticipate new STAAR test
Teachers and administrators are preparing for the upcoming State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test.
-
Bridge widening begins
Bridge widening continues at Pecan Creek to prepare for the Army Corps of Engineers to expand and deepen the creek channel.
-
Officials mum about coach's suspension
CALLISBURG — Feedback from Callisburg ISD officials has been scarce regarding the suspension of high school basketball coach Randy Freeman on Jan. 10.
-
Community joins Chamber celebration
Tuesday’s 90th-anniversary banquet for Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce honored history and fed the masses in tall style.
-
Harlem Ambassadors face off against State Farm Hoopers
The international-acclaimed Harlem Ambassadors will face the State Farm Hoopsters at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Gainesville High School Gymnasium.
-
Two-vehicle crash on California Street
A two-vehicle collision occured at 11:12 p.m. Wednesday at 1100 W. California St.
-
Cuts leave school programs in jeopardy
Results of a recent survey show that education budget cuts in Texas are doing damage that reaches into classrooms.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
Army Orders Bradley Manning Court-martial
Cancer Charity Revives Breast-screening Grants
Heavy Snowstorm Hits Colorado On Its Way East
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges
Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy
Unemployment Rate Down to 8.3%
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
First Person: Will Peyton Manning Stay in Indy?
Egypt Shaken After Deadly Soccer Riot
New Suits, New Starts for New York's Unemployed
Hall of Famer Dorsett Speaks Out on NFL Injuries
