In the early days of the Obama administration, many Americans found themselves wondering, “When will we get a stimulus check in 2009?” Luckily for some individuals, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 17th which provides for one-time $250 economic stimulus checks for over fifty million people. This article explains who qualifies for 2009 stimulus payments and explains how these differ from the 2009 tax rebates.
Who Will Get a $250 Stimulus Check? Find Out Who Qualifies for the 2009 Economic Recovery Payment
In general, only recipients of Social Security & Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the Social Security Administration, railroad retirement beneficiaries who get checks from the Railroad Retirement Board, and recipients of certain veterans’ benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for $250 stimulus checks.
Eligible individuals must meet the two main requirements below to qualify; only residents of certain states or U.S. territories and those who received benefits within a specific time period qualify for $250 economic stimulus checks.
- Benefits must have been received at some point between November 2008 and January 2009.
- Recipients must live in the following areas to qualify (address of record, not a temporary residence):
- American Samoa
- District of Columbia
- Guam
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Puerto Rico
- 50 United States
- U.S. Virgin Islands
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, in addition to the two criteria above, veterans must have received one of the following benefits to be eligible for 2009 stimulus payments:
- Compensation
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Pension
- Spina Bifida
Social Security Administration Rules – Who Will Receive Another Federal Government Stimulus Payment
Nearly everyone who receives Social Security or SSI benefits is eligible for a $250 check. Although certain individuals are excluded, adult children who are recipients of disability benefits will get a check. Children who receive SSI benefits will also receive a $250 check. See the article Who Isn't Getting $250 Economic Stimulus Checks? for more details on who shouldn't expect a check from the Social Security Administration.
Railroad Retirees – Contact Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) for Further Clarification
Less information is available from the Railroad Retirement Board than from the other two organizations involved. Individuals who believe they are eligible under that program should check materials received from the organization itself to determine eligibility.
Economic Stimulus 2009 – No Second Tax Rebate for Most U.S. Citizens
Unfortunately, the 2009 economic stimulus package doesn’t provide for another tax rebate for the masses. The one-time $250 federal government stimulus checks are meant to help individuals with limited means weather the current economic downturn. A likely hope (of the U.S. government) is that individuals who receive these checks will spend this money and further stimulate the economy.
Resources:
Social Security Administration website
Railroad Retirement Board website
Department of Veterans Affairs website
April 2, 2009 Dept. of Veterans Affairs Press Release - VA Announces Recovery Spending: Includes $250 Payment to Eligible Veterans
Related article:
$250 Stimulus Check Facts for Veterans, Retirees
Lena Gott - Lena Gott is a Certified Public Accountant who gives practical financial advice to her readers.
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