Important information for Social Security Recipients and VA Benefits Recipients

Most Americans have heard that Congress recently passed an economic stimulus package that puts hundreds of dollars into the hands of more than 130 million American families.  This year, about 15 million Californians will receive an average of $844 in tax rebates. 

However, most Social Security recipients don’t realize that they are eligible for a rebate of $300 through this economic stimulus package, even if they have no other income.  But they can only receive it if they file a tax return. 

If you receive Social Security of VA disability compensation, pension or survivors' benefits, I encourage you to file a tax return so you can receive your rebate.  This economic stimulus package was designed to help Americans who are struggling with the rising costs of housing, energy and healthcare, and that includes many seniors and people with disabilities. 

All you have to do is file a 2007 IRS Form 1040 or Form 1040A and report at least $3,000 in qualifying income on the form, which includes your SSA benefits and/or VA benefits.

For Social Security Recipients

Enter your name, address, Social Security Number and filing status on the form.

Then enter the amount of benefits reported to you in January on Form 1099-SSA on Line 14a of Form 1040A or Line 20a of Form 1040.

If you don't have Form 1099-SSA, you can estimate your Social Security benefits by taking the monthly amount you recieved last year and multiplying it by the number of months you received the check.

If you need to include wage earnings to reach the $3,000 qualifying level, enter that amount on Line 7 of Form 1040A or 1040.

In addition, you should write the words "Stimulus Payment" at the top of 1040A or 1040.

For VA Benefits Recipients

Enter your name, address, Social Security Number and filing status on the form.

Then enter the sum of veterans’ disability compensation, pension or survivors’ benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007 on Line 14a of Form 1040A or Line 20a of Form 1040.

You may estimate your annual benefit by taking your monthly annual veterans’ benefit, multiplying it by the number of months during the year they received benefits.

If you need to include wage earnings to reach the $3,000 qualifying level, enter that amount on Line 7 of Form 1040A or 1040.

In addition, you should write the words "Stimulus Payment" at the top of 1040A or 1040.

Printable Forms

    1040 Form

    1040A Form

   (View a sample filled-in 1040A form)