Fraud Alert: Social Security Stimulus Payment
In February, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This act will allow individuals who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement or Veteran’s benefits to receive a one-time $250 check. Recipients will need to do nothing to receive the check. This is Good News with a Yellow caution flag attached.
If you were eligible to receive any of these benefits during the months of November 08’, December 08’, or January 09’, you will receive a one-time payment by the end of May 2009. You do not need to do anything!
Each individual receiving these benefits will receive a $250 check. If you receive benefits from more than one of these agencies, you will still receive only one check. The check will come in the manner you currently receive your payment: 1) If your check is direct-deposited, your payment will come separately as a direct-deposit; 2) If your check is sent via the U.S. mail, your check will come as a separate payment via U.S. mail.
Children under the age of 18 who receive Social Security benefits will NOT receive a stimulus check. Children who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive a check. If an individual has a
Representative payee, the check will be sent to the payee, who is required by law to use it for your personal benefit. If you have delinquent Federal or state debt (child support; IRS), the delinquent amount will be deducted from your stimulus payment.
Reminders:
- No one will contact you concerning the stimulus payment;
- No additional information is needed or will be sought;
- No one will call offering assistance in receiving the stimulus payment;
- If you do not receive your payment by June 4, 2009, you may call a toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, or your local SSA Office;
- Additional information is available at government Websites:
www.socialsecurity.gov; www.rrb.gov; www.va.gov
Source: District Attorney Scott Storey, Office of Jefferson/Gilpin Counties, Colorado
To report fraud, ask a question, or schedule a ‘Power Against Fraud’ seminar, call: 303-271-6980
