OCEAN COUNTY OFFERS ECONOMIC STIMULUS HELP TO SENIORS
TOMS RIVER – With an eye toward making certain that Ocean County seniors don’t miss out on President Bush’s
economic stimulus payment, the county Office of Senior Services is offering assistance to individuals so they can obtain
the federal disbursement.
“There are a number of individuals (some recipients of Social Security, Railroad Retirement or veterans’ benefits)
who do not file a federal tax return,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as chairman of the Office of
Senior Services. “However, these individuals will need to file a 2007 1040-A to apply for the benefit and to receive it
in 2008.”
Vicari noted that these individuals will be eligible to receive a payment of $300 for a single person; $600 for a
joint return if they had at least $3,000 of qualifying income.
Assistance will be available at the County Connection, Ocean County’s government service outlet at the Ocean County Mall,
here, on April 23 and May 1. Senior services staff will be available on these days and appointments can be made by calling
the County Connection at 732-288-7777.
“We are pleased to be able to provide this central location which is easily accessible to our residents,” said Freeholder
John P. Kelly, who serves as liaison to the County Connection. “This storefront lends itself perfectly to these types of
programs and services.”
In addition, some assistance will be available on the mobile County Connection.
Vicari said that seniors need only complete a few lines on the 1040A to receive the federal payment.
“We want to make certain our seniors are part of the federal government’s economic stimulus program,” Vicari said. “So
many can truly use this money just to help with day to day expenses. We want to make sure they do not miss out on this
opportunity.”
Persons can receive the benefit either through direct deposit or a paper check. For persons who file by April 15, checks
will be mailed May through July according to the last two digits of the individual’s social security number.
“However, it is important to know that the filing deadline for the payment in 2008 is October 15 for those persons who
are not required to file a federal return,” said Jane Maloney, director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.
Maloney said senior services staff also is available to help at the One Stop for Seniors at 1027 Hooper Ave., here. Help
also is available at the Outreach and Senior Centers throughout the county.
“Every effort will be made through our network on aging to assure that all eligible Ocean County individuals receive this
benefit,” Vicari said.
Individuals can call the Office of Senior Services for further information and assistance at 732-929-2091 or
1-800-668-4899.
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