AARP: Millions of People with Low or Fixed Incomes Could Still Benefit from Economic Stimulus

Source: AARP Press Center | August 15, 2008

August 15, 2008

Contact: Danielle Holland, AARP, 202-434-2560, dholland@aarp.org

Only two months remain for the 5.2 million low-income individuals across the nation to file a simple tax form and receive $300 to $600 dollars from the Economic Stimulus program. In conjunction with National Council on Aging (NCOA), AARP has created a tool that helps individuals fill out the tax form they’ll need to submit to receive a payment if they are eligible. This online tool and other materials can be found at www.aarp.org/stimulus.

A recent AARP survey showed that more than a quarter of all individual 45 and older have begun dipping into their valuable nest eggs to pay for day to day necessities. Alarmingly, the economic slump has caused individuals to cut back on medications, put off paying bills, put off retirement, seek help from family members or charities and other extreme measures to meet their day to day needs.

“This payment is a great opportunity for people across the country to get an added boost to their budget,” said Tom Nelson, AARP’s Chief Operating Officer. “With rising food and high fuel costs, an extra $300 to $600 can make a big difference in the average person’s budget.”

AARP’s national office, in a coordinated effort with our 53 state offices and numerous partner organizations, is asking trusted friends, family members and community members who may be homebound or without internet access to make sure those who normally do not file a tax return – due to their income level – know that this year they should.

“From day one, AARP has been working to make sure people have the information and resources they need to receive their stimulus payments. Our online tool can be found at www.aarp.org/stimulushelp and we encourage caregivers, community organizations and family members to visit the site to download instructions, fact sheets and even advice on how to avoid scams related to the stimulus payment,” said Nelson.

For more tools and money saving resources, please visit www.aarp.org.

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.