WASHINGTON, D.C. - With one week remaining for Americans to file for their stimulus checks, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee urged veterans, seniors, and others who still have not claimed their checks to file.  Because many Americans receiving veterans' benefits or Social Security income are not required to regularly file taxes, some still have not filed the paperwork necessary to receive their stimulus check this year.  

The deadline to file for stimulus checks is October 15, 2008.  

In June, the IRS found that over one-third (35 percent) of those receiving veterans' benefits or Social Security had not filed a tax return to receive their stimulus checks.  Individuals can be eligible for $300, married couples $600.  Those who owe no tax will not be penalized for filing after April 15.  Only a standard 1040 form is required to file. 

The following information may help determine eligibility: 

• Individuals have until October 15 to file for and claim their stimulus payment.  Those who owe no tax will not be penalized for filing after April 15.
• The stimulus payment should not affect an individual's eligibility for any other federal benefits, such as Medicaid or food stamps.
• Individuals with at least $3000 of qualifying income will qualify for the stimulus rebate even if they owe no tax.  This income can include any combination of wages, social security benefits and disabled veterans benefits.
• Individuals who owe at least $1 in tax may also qualify for the rebate, including those who receive private or public pension income.

HELP ON THE WEB:

• IRS stimulus fact sheet
• IRS fact sheet for Social Security recipients
• IRS fact sheet for veterans' benefits recipients

Information and assistance for Hawaii residents is available from the AARP Information Office on Oahu: (808) 843-1906

Help is also available at Hawaii ESP Tax Return Preparation Sites.  Call to set up an appointment or find out when the site will be open.

Site	County	Close Date	Appt	Phone	Languages	EFile
ALU LIKE - Central Alu Like, Inc. 458 Keawe Street Honolulu   HI   96813	Honolulu	10/15/08	Yes	(808) 535-6700	Languages- English	Yes
ALU LIKE - Kauai Island Center Alu Like - Kauai Island Center 2970 Haleko Road Suite 205 Lihue   HI   96766	Kauai	10/15/08	Yes	(808) 245-8545	Languages- English	Yes
Legal Aid Society Of Hawaii 924 Bethel St Honolulu   HI   96813	Honolulu	12/31/08	Yes	(808) 527-8050	Languages- English	Yes
MEO INC -VITA 99 Mahalani Street Wailuku   HI   96793	Maui	10/15/08	Yes	(808) 249-2990	Languages- English, Spanish	Yes

Senator Akaka said: "I encourage all seniors and veterans and others who don't normally file a tax return to file now and get your money.  You just need to file a simple tax return and the IRS will send you the check.  Veterans centers, senior homes, family members and support groups such as the AARP can help you file.  For those of you caring for our kupuna, please reach out to them and encourage them to file.  In these hard economic times, several hundred dollars will make a big difference to those in our community living on fixed incomes.  It's not too late, the deadline is October 15.  After that, the money will be gone forever, so now is the time to file."

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