Indianapolis Personal Injury Blog

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: $250 Stimulus Payments FAQ

Keller & Keller has received many calls regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The following is a collection of the most common questions, followed by our answers. 

Am I eligible for the $250 stimulus payment?
You are eligible for the $250 stimulus payment if you were entitled to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or to any of the following Social Security benefits at any time between November 2008 to January 2009:

--retirement,
--wife's and husband's,
--disabled adult child (but not other child's benefits),
--widow's and widower's,
--mother's or fathers',
--parent's,
--disability insurance benefits,
--special age 72 benefits

(VA and Railroad Retirement benefits also have grounds for eligibility.)

Does the payment come out of the Social Security trust funds?
No. The Act states that stimulus payments will come from appropriated funds.

Will the stimulus payments be made to people not living in the United States?
No. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is limited to persons who have listed residence is in the U.S. or a U.S. territory.

I'm entitled to SSD and SSI.  Will I get two checks?
No; however, there may be instances in which mistakes will be made and someone may receive more than one check.

Will I be taxed on this income?
No, not by the federal government.

Can my payment be seized for payment of my debts?
Typically not; however, just as Social Security benefits can be seized, your stimulus payment could also be seized for any federal tax debt or child support obligations.

Can a single Social Security number receive more than one $250 stimulus check?
Yes.

Can a single household receive more than one $250 stimulus check?
Yes.

When will I receive my stimulus check?
No later than 120 days after the signing of the Act.

I don't currently have social security benefits. If I apply for benefits for the time period between November 2008 to January 2009 and am approved, will I get a stimulus check?
Yes, but there is a time limit. No payment can be made after December 31, 2010.

If someone is already on SSI, will the $250 stimulus check be viewed as income and possibly reduce my SSI benefits?
No.