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For Immediate Release                                           Contacts: Gerardo Cardenas 312-458-3609

Tuesday, October 7, 2008                                                                   

 

AARP HELPS THOUSANDS OF ILLINOISANS CLAIM FEDERAL REBATE CHECKS

 

Oct. 15^th Deadline Looming, AARP, Senator Durbin and IRS Group Team Up to Help People Claim Over $45 Million in Economic Stimulus Checks

 

CHICAGO– In the current economic climate, with they skyrocketing costs of basic necessities, leaving money on the table is not the right thing to do. That’s why close to 10,000 Illinoisans today connected with AARP, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and the IRS on a Teletown Hall to get critical information on how to collect the economic stimulus rebate checks they may be eligible for.

 

With an October 15 deadline looming, over 163,000 Illinoisans have yet to claim more than $45 million in federal rebates. Callers were able to talk to Sen. Durbin, AARP Illinois State Director Bob Gallo, and IRS Territory Manager Otis Damron, and receive helpful information on how to file for their unclaimed $300-$600 checks.

 

“People across the nation and here in Illinois are struggling in this tough economic environment. This is not the time for anyone to leave money on the table,” Gallo said. “AARP is proud to work with Sen. Durbin and the IRS, to help make sure older Illinoisans who don’t usually file income taxes do not miss out on this federal rebate money that could soften the blow of the current economic downturn.”

 

“The IRS tells us that more than 163,000 Illinois residents could be eligible for stimulus checks and don’t even know it,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). “Many of these individuals are seniors and disabled veterans who normally aren’t required to file tax returns because they owe no taxes. I urge seniors and veterans to file returns with the IRS in order to receive the stimulus payments they deserve.”

“Don’t let the economic stimulus payment pass you by,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “If you want the payment this year, you should file by Oct. 15. We recognize that there may be older Americans and disabled veterans who still have not filed for their stimulus payment. If you know of a friend, neighbor or family members who may be in that situation, please give them a hand if they need it.”

 

 

Illinois ranks 7^th nationally in unfiled claims, while Chicago ranks second among cities. Four counties – Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will – rank among the top 200 nationwide with unclaimed payments, with nearly 75,000 individuals from Cook County alone who have not claimed the rebate yet. Nationally over 4.3 million people were expected to file for their rebates before the deadline, and claim $1.3 billion.

 

Claiming the federal rebate can help older adults, veterans and disabled individuals soften the blow of the current economic downturn. According to a recent AARP survey on how the economic slowdown is affecting older Americans, nearly 60% of people over 65 are finding it more difficult to pay for items such as food, gas and medicine, while 12% have had to postpone paying bills and nearly 50% were having trouble affording their utilities.  Full survey results can be found on-line at:   www.aarp.org/research/economy/trends/economy_survey.html .

 

To receive the stimulus rebate, people who didn’t need to file a tax return this year, but who received at least $3,000 from Social Security benefits, veterans benefits, or earned income in 2007, must submit a simplified version of a 1040A tax form to the IRS (for more information visit ww.irs.gov or call the IRS toll-free 1-800-829-1040). The minimum payment for this group is $300 for an individual and $600 for a couple filing jointly.

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