 |
Quarterly Legislative Advocacy Issues
- Economic Stimulus Payment Information
You could be eligible for a one-time payment of $300 from the government if you meet the following requirements:
• Valid Social Security Number
• Received at least $3,000 in Social Security Benefits or Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI), Veteran’s benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits or other earned (taxable) income in 2007
• This one time check from the government is not taxable; it will not count towards eligible income that could affect your other benefits (i.e. public housing, LIS, Medicare Savings Program, Food Stamps, or any other public benefit program that is income tested.
Seniors and disabled adults who rely upon Social Security or SSDI, VA, etc. benefits should have already received an information packet in the mail from IRS about the Economic Stimulus Payment.
Seniors and other adults who would not normally file an annual tax return have until October 15th, 2008 to submit their 1040A for the Economic Stimulus Payment.
For additional information, call your local Area Agency on Aging, IRS hotline for the Economic Stimulus Payment at 1-866-234-2945, Tax Counseling for the Elderly at 1-88-227-7669, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance at 1-800-906-9887 and your local SHIP counselors.
- DTV Transition and the Coupon Program
At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?
Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.
A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.
Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:
• Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
• Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
• Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
For additional information call 1-888-DTV-2009 or access the web address: www.DTV2009.gov.
- Project 2020
Project 2020 is an important initiative led by n4a and NASUA. The goal of Project 2020 is "Provide the resources to implement consumer-cen ered and cost-effective long-term care strategies authorized in the 2006 reauthohrization of the Older Americans Act. Empower the Aging Services Network to implement these strategies through a three-pronged program encompassing person-centered access to information, evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion activities, and enhanced nursing home diversion services. Click here to learn details about this new intiative.
- Economic Downturn is Leaving Seniors Stranded
n4a releases new survey that reveals the Economic Downturn is Leaving Seniors Stranded. Click here to read all the details.
|
