Thousands of low-income elderly or disabled Coloradans who did not qualify for last year’s economic-stimulus checks will receive a one-time payment of $250 through the economic-recovery package signed by President Barack Obama in February.
Thousands more who received a $300 stimulus payment last year — the maximum allowed for those collecting Social Security, veterans or railroad retirement benefits — will get another $250 under the plan.
News of the additional money couldn’t have come at a better time for widower Cliff Dougal, a retired cemetery caretaker faced with a pile of medical bills.
“It’s a big deal to get the extra money, especially when you rely on Social Security,” said Dougal, 65. “It’s good to get groceries, but you have to think of your health first.”
Dougal received a $300 check last year — most working individuals received $600 — and that was gone quickly, he said.
“Hospitals cost so much that $100 is gone in the snap of a finger,” he said.
The second wave of stimulus payments gives an economic boost to the elderly and those living with a disability, several people who work with seniors said.
“My first reaction to it was Obama understands about getting money to the hands of poor people,” said Eileen Doherty, executive director of services at the Colorado Gerontological Society. “It helps a lot for those who are struggling, for a utility bill or even new dentures.”
The payment will be distributed in late May or early June and is earmarked for individuals who receive benefits from Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans Affairs or the Railroad Retirement Board.
Stimulus payments of up to $300 last year went to the same individuals except those collecting only SSI, a monthly stipend for those who are blind, disabled or over 65 with low income.
The payments will arrive separately from monthly benefit checks.
Individuals who get benefits from more than one qualifying program will receive only the $250. If both spouses of a couple receive benefits, then each will get a $250 check or direct-deposit payment.
The money does not count as gross income for federal tax purposes and does not impact eligibility for SSI. Children younger than 18 who receive Social Security benefits are ineligible.
The payments are separate from economic- stimulus funds for 2008. Those funds were issued through Dec. 31. Individuals who failed to apply for the payment — only those who filed a tax return obtained it — yet qualified for the stimulus can still claim a credit on their 2008 tax return.
David Migoya: 303-954-1506 or dmigoya@denverpost.com
How it works
How to know if you qualify for the new economic-stimulus payment:
How much: $250 per person
Who gets it: Recipients of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, veterans benefits and railroad retirement benefits
Who is eligible: Disabled children on SSI and individuals receiving benefits in November or December 2008 or January 2009
Who is not eligible: Those who qualified for SS or SSI in February 2009 and children under 18 getting SS
When it comes: Payments will arrive separate from benefit checks in late May or early June via direct bank deposit, paper check, Direct Express Card or to a representative payee
Source: Social Security Administration
