Rebate check?

[kaybee]

Okay, we've all heard the big buzz about most of us getting a nice rebate check in the mail in May. I understand that 'older people on Social Security' will not be receiving a check. Does this also mean people who are on disability? Any ideas?

It's kind of weird that if you didn't pay any taxes you'll still receive a minimum amount and if you paid a lot of taxes, you won't get a check (upper class people). What about the poor older folks that are barely making it on SS? Guess the gov doesn't think they need to go out and spend it on the economy. I'm not there yet but I would be miffed if I was retired!

[creakyneck]

This one's going to be "up in the air" for at least a couple of weeks till the squabbles die down and it gets thru congress... Not thats its really going to be a "solution":rolleyes:


Creaky

[amigreenleaf]

I hope so, that'd be nice to get. :)

[Spinolio]

What about those of us that have filed but haven't been approved for ssdi yet. I haven't worked for over a year and a half? Am I SOL on this rebate since I didn't work in 2007?

[Buttons2]

Only the house bill has passed so far,Congress might not approve it-especially without some changes. I suggest you just wait & see what happens.Might be some haggling going on with this.......

[Nana4&cntn]

Hi All,

I thought I heard "Baby Bush" say the rebates were coming to "working people". So I just said oh well, No money coming my way, I haven't paid taxes since 1996. So We will see.

Blessings All,
Kathy

[brians2000]

It is now in the Senate and they want to include those on Social Security and I have even seen where some illegal folks may get a check. Dont worry too much I bet it will be approved for SS also.

[SuicideRisk]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/07/congress.economy/index.html

Looks like its a done deal.

# NEW: White House officials say President Bush will likely sign bill next week
# Bill gives $300 to $600 to people making $3,000 to $75,000, plus $300/child
# Senate version drops extension of employment benefits, energy assistance
#Package will include rebates for Social Security recipients, disabled veterans

[LilDarlin]

I read that but still anybody that is on Food Stamps cant get the Check.

This seems all backwards to me. I'm not on Food Stamps,..(but should be),..and if I were, I would not be getting a check.

The ones that need it,..seem like the ones not getting it.

>>>But he expressed dismay the package omits a number of provisions Democrats had sought, including an extension of unemployment benefits and checks for people aided by the food stamp program and the low-income home energy assistance program, measures that Senate Republicans and President Bush opposed.

"They're following this president right off a cliff," Reid said. "What they don't realize is he's already over the cliff." <<<

[amigreenleaf]

I was eligible for food stamps, but I didn't take them (parents provide me with food still)...am I good then?:confused:

[SPSII]

I am on SSDI but I don't have to file taxes. I have one child and not on food stamps. Does this mean I will get a rebate check? I am confused. Any amount would be a blessing.

[creakyneck]

I'll be in an interesting "in between" state here. Currently receiving food stamps, and have been for the last year, to tide me over till SSDI approval which was Jan. 15, and backdated two years; so I should be coming off food stamps and onto SSDI. Haven't the foggiest notion of wether or not I'll actually get a "check". Guess I'll wait and see:confused:

Creaky

[Pookie]

I am on SSDI, have not paid taxes nor filed in over 5 years.
I do not receive food stamps & my children are grown & out the house.

Based on the above, how does one go about getting the rebate? :confused:




P.S. Think I'll give the IRS a call this week. Will post their response. :rolleyes:

[mark24609]

While a check is nice to receive, it does nothing for the economy. The economy wants permanence if spurring the economy is the desired result. If you paid taxes, then it just reduces the taxes you paid, of course then that begs the question, "Why did we have to pay it in the first place?" If you didn't pay taxes, then its not a rebate, its welfare, which I am not arguing for or against, but let's not call it a rebate.

Of course with my money should I receive a check, I am just sending it back to the government since I owe 3,000 dollars for my 2007 taxes. Easy come easy go

[notnu2cp]

Hi all! 1st time posting since the last crash but have been reading and keeping up with all.
Wanted to see if I have this right as I understand it. Those on SSDI who are NOT on food stamps or participate in HEAP may be getting a check? Those on SSI will not get one regardless of whether they get food stamps or help from HEAP correct?

I am trying to figure out how this is going to help our economy in any way since most on SS will most likley be using it play catch up on utility bills and such since we usually cant make those ends meet on a consistant basis versus shopping for new clothes or luxuries. If I have this all wrong anyone with a greater understanding please set me straight.

[creakyneck]

I've been trying to puzzle out the food stamps vs. not getting a "stimulus check" and so far can't find anything that says specifically that you will not get a check if you are receiving food stamp assistance. Something that is said however, is that alot of families who get food stamps don't make over the minimum earned income to qualify for a check. That may be the source of the "food stamp rumor". For a single person with a earned income under $3000.00 for last year...no check. Above $3000.00 (but not owing taxes) gets a $300.00 check, and above $3000.00 and PAYING taxes gets the $600.00 check. At least thats the way I understand it.

As far as the "stimulus checks actually helping", of course not, this idea came from Dubya and his ilk, you didn't actually expect Brilliance did you...:(.

[notnu2cp]

Your theory on the food stamps makes sense. I didnt see that anywhere in anything I had read either. I worked hard and alot raising 5 kids so I had pretty good credits in when I disabled out and make out on the higher end of the scale as far as disability amount and there for do not qualify for them or rather I should say for the $8 I do qualify for it isnt worth the time they require of me to get them each month!

Dont get me wrong here,there was a time during the waiting game of the SS office I was sure glad to get them, but somehow they figure I can now pay out of my check that $500 a month for groceries and even though I said I make on the higher ends that is way more then I can afford out of y check each month for food. Need I say we eat much leaner now then then? Off topic here but it sure will be intersting to see how this all plays out with this rebate deal I think.

Still looks to me like those that need it most wont be getting it but hey isnt that the way of brillance in this life? Lol.

[Pookie]

Well I called the IRS Monday. No one knew anything as Bush has not signed anything **yet**.

However, I did find out through my local newspaper that if you made over $3000 the following are entitled to the rebate:
Working low income - $300
Each dependent child - $300 each

people who have no need to file income taxes (Social Security) $300
Each dependent child - $0
Social Security Disability - $300
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - $0

You must file in order to receive the $$$$.

[amigreenleaf]

Awe fiddle, nothing for me except a $35 refund (already filed). Oh well. Wasn't really expecting a check anyway.

[VetForUS]

The president just signed the bill. If you did not make any money but are receiving SSDI as long as you file you will get a check. It will be based on 2007 income tax form.

VetForUS

[Pookie]

The president just signed the bill. If you did not make any money but are receiving SSDI as long as you file you will get a check. It will be based on 2007 income tax form.

VetForUS
The IRS website will tell you which forms to use & which line to enter your SSDI amount.

More info can be found at the following link: http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/media/article/irs-offers-details-stimulus-checks-says-nonfilers-file_479296_15.html

[notnu2cp]

See thats why I love this place!

Thanks Vet and Pookie as I do not have to have file and therefore would not have gotten my "economic spending money" if you all had not researched and posted.

Now I guess I better run out and get a tax form today and get started! It looks to me that the earlier you file the sooner you get it back after they begin printing checks. I am still not sure I get the no childs benefit for SSDI but hey $300 is sure better then what they had origionally said we would get.

who knows it might even be enough to push that vacation we have always longed for into the picture,albeit we maybe caping versus motel or resorting it but beggers cant be choosers right? We may even make it out of town this year! Lol

What a life after SSD huh?

Again many thanks to those who keep us informed.

[amigreenleaf]

I only received SSI during 2007. I just started getting SSDI in January. Sneaky sneaky they are.

[Pookie]

I only received SSI during 2007. I just started getting SSDI in January. Sneaky sneaky they are.
Not exactly. The rebate will continue next year (2009) & the amount may be larger than 2007. :)

[Pookie]

See thats why I love this place!

Thanks Vet and Pookie as I do not have to have file and therefore would not have gotten my "economic spending money" if you all had not researched and posted.

Now I guess I better run out and get a tax form today and get started! It looks to me that the earlier you file the sooner you get it back after they begin printing checks. I am still not sure I get the no childs benefit for SSDI but hey $300 is sure better then what they had origionally said we would get.

who knows it might even be enough to push that vacation we have always longed for into the picture,albeit we maybe caping versus motel or resorting it but beggers cant be choosers right? We may even make it out of town this year! Lol

What a life after SSD huh?

Again many thanks to those who keep us informed.
Your welcome!


I downloaded the forms from the IRS website. I mailed mine off this am. :D

[mark24609]

Here is information that might be helpful


The President has signed the economic stimulus bill. The Internal Revenue Service will begin sending stimulus payments, popularly known as tax rebates, in May 2008.

To find out if you are eligible for a stimulus payment or if you have other questions about the stimulus bill, please go to the IRS website at: www.irs.gov. The IRS website has the best and most up-to-date information to answer your questions about the stimulus payment.

If you do not have Internet access, you may call IRS on their toll-free number at 1-800-829-1040.

Social Security beneficiaries, who are filing a 2007 tax return only to obtain the stimulus payment, will not need a replacement Form 1099 for IRS to determine if they are eligible to receive a stimulus payment. An estimate of Social Security benefits received in 2007 is sufficient.

[keithy02]

something that they say you have to file your 2007 taxes before you will get your rebate chack sooner you file sooner you get your check
smile keith :):)

[notnu2cp]

Although it looked a little strange with all those zero's on the paper! To think I am this excited over $300. I can still recall a time I made that in a day or so of overtime at work! Still have problems with how this is going to help the economy seeing as how it wont even replace my old television that rumor has it wont work next year at all.

Have to wonder if that isnt also a economy booster?

It did advise you use your direct deposit as it would speed up your rebate some.

Thanks Mark I read the link you provided and it answered all my questions.

I sure am sorry they didnt find a way to provide SSI folks with something but then again if they did you probably would have been short changed as they would have counted against your food stamps and your annual income and just took it away from some other place like your monthly check. You can bet they didnt wany anyone to get too far ahead on it.

I remember when I was living in subsidized housing and drawing welfare and food stamps waiting for my decision on SSD and they were counting child support I was suppose to be getting but he wasnt paying and when I questioned them about it I was told it was easier to count it on a continuing basis even though I didnt get it he might someday really pay it and they would have to go back and charge me or suspend benefits for awhile to catch up? Sounds ridiculous doesnt it? The way the governement programs think.

There have certainly been days when I think back to living in housing subsidized with a rent of $8 a month and a $66 utility check and over $500 a onth in food stamps and qualifying for state medicaid that paid all our medical bills and even though I drew only $485 in welfare I seemed to somehow do better then rather then now.

Paying out of pocket for food and the going rate on housing as well as not qualifying for assistance with heating due to income levels and the copays on my meds and not to mention the things medicare does not pay for that medicaid did. Yep there are days I have to wonder if I came out of this ahead of the game or if it was just a joke on me. LOL

Well I certainly got off track there didnt I?

Just have to remind myself from time to time it could be worse and I could still be back there playing the waiting game as many of you are.

Hope everyone gets something and maybe if enough folks complain about the unfairness of those left out next year might bring about changes.

[Wolfman]

If they REALLY wanted to Stimulate the Economy...they would increase the COLA by ONE or TWO Percentage Points...and therefore it would Stimulate the Economy throughout the Entire Year...and NOT just a few months.

I have read Whining Income-Tax-Payers...Whining because those who do NOT pay Income Tax...are getting the Stimulas, too.

Sorry Whining Income-Tax-Payers...we NON-Income-Tax-Payers "PAY" Taxes, too!

WOW! And just how far does anyone think $300/$600/$1200 is going to go!

[mark24609]

Hi notu2CP

You are welcome, and I understand the need to vent at times

[mainepain]

Howdy all,

I've got a question that hopefully someone who has already filed for the rebate can answer.

My question is when filling out the 1040A form do I need to fill the whole thing out? The IRS website only shows in the example name, address, social security number and the amount you've earned and then write stimulus payment on the top. It doesn't show or say if you need to fill the whole form out.

The concern I have is that if I fill out the form completely it shows that I will have to pay tax on my disability. According to IRS Publication 915 and the 1099 form I received from the SSA I do not have to pay tax or even file a return.

I don't want to file incorrectly and I don't want to be falsely taxed.

So does anyone know the correct way to fill out this form?

Thanks in advance.

[SPSII]

I am on SSDI and not required to file taxes. Are you saying that if I file anyway I will get the rebate check? Now that would be cool.

[notnu2cp]

Even if you have no tax liability and normally would not do so. I think this was their way distributing the payments as quickly as possible without having to create some kind of new form then a program to read those new forms. What I understand anyway.

As for your tax liability if you have none according to the 1099 it should still reflect none on the 1040 and 1040a. I am not sure I understand what your saying mainepain about having none one place and then looking as if you do on the tax form.

As for what to fill in and what not to I just wrote at the top of for 1040a "stimulus payment for SSDI" and put all the zero's in the boxes except where it asked about y SSDI amount for the year and also you need to fill in the single,married etc, part since for some this plays a role int he amount as well as the dependent question. Of course if you had any earnings at all last year even if it isnt enough to have to file on you then will need to accurately fill in the entire form again sine soe it may make a difference in the amounts for children you get.

Mail it to the same place you would mail the form if you were filing and I also made a notation on the envelope that it was a stimulus payment since I didnt know if a different department would be handling those versus the normal forms of tax payers.

As for the whining? Well I spent a good many years paying taxes when there was no such thing as a rebate to boost the economy and still pay taxes in alot of other places on a daily basis suppose they stop and think about that? Tax payers are still being rewarded for their earnings as their rebate amounts look to be higher for those paying taxes with dependents then ours right?

Hope this helps and it isnt really a issue they said about whether everything is right or wrong on the form as they are mainly using it as a basis for who qualifyies and who doesnt and they dont even require a copy of your 1099 from SS and if you dont have one they just ask for a estimate of your yearly payments.

[mainepain]

Thank you for your help.

I figured it out finally. As usual I was over complicating things. I have a habit of doing that.

The problem was I put down my SSDI payments but did not see the line right next to it that shows how much of it is taxable. Which in my case is zero.

So I have things all figured out now.

Thanks again.

[Pookie]

In the Refund section I put the amount I was expecting & underneath wrote "TAX REBATE" :D

[LMB]

I'm a little confused by this whole rebate check- for example a husband and wife who has a tax liability of $500, will only get $500 rebate but someone who has no tax liabilty can get $600???? this doesn't seem quite right to me! What am I missing? The IRS site states that you can only get an amount up to the tax liability on your return back but no more than $1200 for married couple.. As usual I am confused by the government and all its and, ifs and what if's......

Please understand that I am not whining about anybody getting a tax rebate who didn't pay taxes.. I am on SSDI (my husband has income), I am just a bit confused and I'm not sure that I am understanding this correctly!!

[Pookie]

LMB

http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/media/article/irs-offers-details-stimulus-checks-says-nonfilers-file_479296_15.html

Scroll down to the section titled: Eligibility and phase-outs

[notnu2cp]

The ore you read into it the more complicated it looks. It is meant to be taken at "face" value I suppose,read it whatever you see in it,that's it! In other words I just mailed and let them do the rest! Lol!

Seriously though, I can see alot of things about it that could be construed as not fair in some ways. I mentioned earlier in this post I think about those who get SSI and how they get nothing at all and I have alot of friends in the disabled world who spent alot of years hoping they got better and fighting workemens cop for years and by they time they actually did wake up and realize that wasnt going to happen they had been unemployed years and therefore had no cerdits or not enough to qualify for SSDI.

The same going for those who spent those years staying home with the kids since day care would have just taken one of the families paychecks only to return to work,get hurt and find thereselves with not enough cerdits,married with another incoe and not even qualifying for SSI!

I personally thing those folks should have gotten something but hey maybe that is why they never have to worry I will be president?

The IRS website I think Mark provided earlier also holds all the answers as long as you dont read too much into it.

[unexplainable]

Hi -

I'm glad I found this thread.

I've been trying to figure out whether or not I'd get any of that stimulus payment and I actually think I will after reading all this and spending several hours on the irs website.

I was getting confused because I get both SSDI and SSI but I think what they are saying is that SSI wont help you qualify (qualifying income). its very confusing but I'm going to file and see what happens.


dave

[kiki12]

At a visit to my local SS office office I was told the SS Disability does not qualify for the stimulus. SS retirement will qualify for the stimulus. I hope they are wrong. I had over $3000 in SS Disability earnings ($48,000).

They said the IRS is doing a mailing @ 3/15 to SS recipents who qualify will receive a packet.


"Starting next week, the Internal Revenue Service will mail special information packages to senior recipients of Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits. These special mailings will help those people receive their 2008 economic stimulus payment.

The 10-page tax package contains everything the recipients will need to file a 2007 tax form. Each package contains an informational notice, tips for completing Form 1040A, a sample Form 1040A and an actual Form 1040A for the filer to complete. The package is specially designed for people who may qualify for an economic stimulus payment but who normally aren't required to file a tax return."

[Daisygirl]

Kiki, whoever you talked to did not know the facts. People on SS Disability will receive stimulus checks if they have at least $3000 in qualifying income, and file a tax return. Nowhere on the SSA website, or the IRS website, does it say that disabled people will be excluded from the payments.

[kiki12]

as per usual local ss wrong again

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=179201,00.html