09-03 SGV Tax Senior Spotlight – March, 2009

 

STIMULUS PLAN HAS SENIOR PROVISIONS

 

March 12, 2009 - Most American taxpayers by now have heard about the Federal stimulus package directed at combating the present recession.  They know about funding for various infrastructure projects and programs on a macroeconomic scale. They know it is designed to bolster overall economic activity and create jobs.

 

But how many have heard about the provisions affecting individuals – and particularly Seniors?

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) - the official name for the first “stimulus package” - has two provisions directly targeting senior citizens: cash handouts and senior jobs..

 

Cash Handouts

 

The first has to do with a special retirement and disability plan bonus, the second with supplemental income activity in connection with non-profit groups.

 

People receiving Social Security, supplemental Social Security Disability Social Security,, Veterans or Railway Retirement benefits will receive a $250 payment – just about anybody who is retired or disabled and unable to work according to Aging and Disability Resource Center coordinator Shawn Allen.  Eligible recipients don’t have to actually apply for it.

“There’s no paperwork with this, nothing that has to be filled out,” Allen stated. “If they’re eligible, they will get it. If not, they won’t.”

Social Security is planning to have the payments done by the end of May. How seniors and others will receive the stimulus funds depends on how they receive their usual Social Security or retirement money.

“If they get a check, they will get a check. If they have direct deposit, it will come to them that way,” Allen said.

Stimulus money to senior and disabled recipients should arrive by June 4; if anyone feels they should be receiving this payment and has not by then they should contact the government. .

 

Senior Jobs

 

Also tucked into the nearly $800 billion ARRA package, is an additional $120 million to fund part-time jobs for up to 24,000 senior citizens, a 25% increase.

 

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a Federal Department of Labor responsibility under the 1984 Older Americans Act and amendments in the year 2000. It provides subsidized, part-time, community service work-based training for low-income persons age 55 or older who have poor employment prospects. Program participants work an average of 20 hours a week. They’re paid the highest of federal, state or local minimum wage, or the prevailing wage.

 

Where do they work? At various nonprofit and public facilities, including day-care centers, senior centers, schools, libraries and hospitals. The funding includes health insurance.

 

There are currently 74 SCSEP grantees - 18 national nonprofit organizations and 56 state and territorial governments. SCSEP is currently funded at approximately $433,000,000. An additional $120,000,000 for 2009 has been included in the ARAA. All funds are allocated by a formula. 22 percent of the funds are allocated among the states, and 78 percent is provided to the 18 national nonprofit organizations.

 

According to the Department of Labor website, found here:

 

                       http://www.doleta.gov/seniors/html_docs/AboutSCSEP.cfm

 

the present eighteen non-profit groups are:

 

AARP Foundation,

Asociacion Nacional Pro Personas Mayores,

Easter Seals,

Experience Works,

Goodwill Industries International,

Institute for Indian Development,

Mature Services,

National Able Network

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging

National Caucus and Center on  Black Aged,

National Council on the Aging,

National Indian Council on Aging,

National Urban League,

Quality Career Services,

Senior Service America,

SER-Jobs for Progress National,

Vermont Assoc. Training & Development,

The Workplace

 

Seniors interested in learning more about SCSEP programs in their local area can call 1-877-872-5627 or contact one of the many One Stop Career Centers – including the WorkSource California/Career Partners center in Rosemead (626/572-7272)..

 

(Full disclosure: Career Partners is a participating member of the Rosemead Kiwanis network.)

 

                                                                                                   --- Art Landing, RKC Reporter Editor

 

Information in Senior Spotlight releases is supplied as a free public service by:

                               San Gabriel Valley Tax, Financial and Business Services (626/292-6550; sgvfin.com)

 

San Gabriel Valley Tax and Business Services
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Rosemead, CA 91770
Tel: 626-292-6550
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Email: art@sgvtax.com

 

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