Low-income Social Security, SSI, SSDI recipients: When am I getting my 3rd stimulus payment?

We still don't know. According to a statement from Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Andrew Saul published Friday, March 26, the SSA has turned over updated contact and bank account information for SS, SSDI, and SSI beneficiaries to the IRS for the purpose of getting payments to beneficiaries who did not file 2019 or 2020 federal tax returns. The IRS actually issues the payments. Of course, many low-income beneficiaries do not normally file federal tax returns because they aren't required to. Many of these low-income folks really need this stimulus money as soon as possible, and the delays and uncertainty are a burden for them.

The American Rescue Plan (ARP), the federal legislation that authorized the 3rd stimulus payments, has different criteria and limits than the first two stimulus payments. Generally eligible individuals should receive $1400 each, and payments at the full $1400 for each of their dependents of any age, as well.

Low-income seniors and people with disabilities make up the pool of people still waiting for payments and answers. Many are grandparents raising grandchildren or senior caregivers with adult dependents who can really use this money and would likely spend it back into the economy quickly.

For beneficiaries who have not filed taxes we still don't know if the IRS will provide a way to report your dependents so you get the correct amount of stimulus payment. For the first 2 rounds of stimulus payments the IRS had an online tool available to do that, especially helpful for folks who do not otherwise need to file taxes. The IRS has not announced whether that tool, or something like it, will be available for this third round. If these low-income beneficiaries with dependents have to file taxes it will require a huge amount of resources to make tax assistance to all these people quickly, and many will miss out on the additional dependent payments.

As soon as the IRS announces more information how and when low-income SS, SSDI, and SSI beneficiaries can get their 3rd stimulus payments we will publish it here. Every American needs to know with certainty from credible sources when and how to expect the stimulus payments so they can protect themselves financial exploitation and scams.

Any West Virginia senior age 60 or over with a legal problem or question can contact West Virginia Senior Legal Aid to talk to a lawyer for free at 1-800-229-5068.

Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program now open and accepting applications

If you are a renter who is struggling to pay rent or utilities because of financial hardship due to the Coronavirus, you may be eligible for assistance from the The Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program (MRAP). MRAP is now open and accepting applications.

Eligible tenants must have:

• household income under 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) which varies by county, see the chart here www.wvhdf.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Income-Limits-Eff-4.1.2020-80.pdf
• one or more household members suffering financial hardship due to the pandemic (such as a period of unemployment, reduction in household income, incurring significant costs)
• one or more household members at risk of homelessness because of past due utility or behind on rent

Kinds of payments that can be covered include rent, past due rent, past due utilities and energy costs.

Payments due April 1, 2020 and after can be eligible for coverage.

There is no cap on the assistance amount available to a renter, but there is a 15 month limit total, and there are some limits for certain kinds of payments.

Even HUD and other housing beneficiaries can be eligible for assistance but only for the amount owed by the tenant that is not covered by another benefit source.

The covered payments will not go to the tenant, but rather will go directly to the landlord or service provider who is owed the arrearage. Landlords cannot apply directly, only tenants can apply and if found eligible then their landlords will need to complete some documentation to get paid.

You can apply for Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program (MRAP) online here https://apply.wvmrap.com/

If you are a West Virginia resident age 60 or over you can call WV Senior Legal Aid for answers and help at 1-800-229-5068.

If you are under age 60 you may be able to get assistance through a local MRAP partner from this list www.wvhdf.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2021-3-5-WV-County-211-Office-MRAP-Partner-List.pdf

Government imposter scams increasing, arm yourself with preventive information

You can rest assured that if you actually owe any money to any government agency you'll get a letter in the mail from them. Not a text, chat, call, or email.

Tell your friends! There are lots of scammers who are pretending to be government agencies claiming you owe money. Government imposter scams are on the increase, and it is easy to understand how you can feel pressured to give money to these scammers. The Federal Trade Commission offers the following advice to protect yourself, and if you tell your friends, it might protect them, too.

"Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers manipulate caller ID to look like the call is coming from an official government number. Look up the agency’s number yourself, if you’re concerned, and give them a call. But don’t use the number in caller ID.

Government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Social Security Administration (SSA) won’t call, text, or email you to say that you owe money.

Nobody legit will ever tell you to pay with gift cards, money transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Never share personal information with anyone who contacts you. If you’re worried, look up the government agency’s information yourself to check with them.

Sharing these tips might just help someone you care about sleep a little more soundly. And, of course, if you spot a scammer, talk about it, and then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Each report helps protect your community."

If you are at least 60 yrs old and a WV resident, you can call and talk to a lawyer for free at WV Senior Legal Aid 1.800.229.5068.