Senate Leadership
July 29, 2008
Senate Leaders Urge Connecticut’s Low-Income Seniors and Disabled Veterans to Cash in on $20 Million in Unclaimed Stimulus Payments
New report shows that nearly 70,000 people in CT still haven’t received their payments
Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven) are urging Connecticut residents — especially low-income seniors and disabled veterans — to claim their economic stimulus checks. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reporting that there are 69,725 people in Connecticut who are not required to file a tax return, but as a result are at risk of missing out on their $300 federal stimulus payments ($600 for married couples).
“Rising energy costs put an extra strain on our seniors, disabled veterans, and others on fixed incomes,” said Senator Williams. “Three hundred dollars is a significant amount of money that can help heat the house this winter, and I hate to see any person leave this money on the table.”
“It is unfortunate that many of the people who need this relief the most have not received it,” said Senator Looney. “We must increase our efforts through public awareness campaigns, visits to senior centers, and all other methods available — to remind our constituents that they may be eligible for a stimulus check and to give them advice on how they can claim it.”
Below is the breakdown, provided by the IRS, of Connecticut’s unclaimed stimulus checks:
| Number of Unclaimed Refunds |
Total Value Refunds |
|
Hartford County |
19,130 |
$5,739,000 |
New Haven |
18,543 |
$5,562,900 |
Fairfield |
15,596 |
$4,678,800 |
New London |
4,931 |
$1,479,300 |
Litchfield |
3,744 |
$1,123,200 |
Middlesex |
3,052 |
$915,600 |
Windham |
2,398 |
$719,400 |
Tolland |
1,878 |
$563,400 |
According to the IRS, eligible people have until October 15, 2008 to file. The IRS offers a free service for those who are filing a tax return solely for the purpose of receiving an economic stimulus payment. For more information, people can call the Rebate Hotline at 1-866-234-2942.
Eligibility, according to the IRS, generally requires the following: A valid Social Security number At least $3,000 in qualified income Not listed as a dependent or eligible to be a dependent on someone else's return.
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Senator Williams’ Derek Slap |
Listing of Leadership’s recent press releases. |
Senator Looney’s Derek Slap |
