GET ANSWERS: Stimulus Payment Questions

Last week we gave you information about the $787 billion stimulus bill and how it affects unemployment payments, but more questions came flooding in.

Benjamin Carey asked, "How much money will a person get who receives social security?"

The last stimulus payment required people to file an income tax form to get money, but this year, these checks should automatically be sent to social security recipients and SSI beneficiaries.

Unlike last year's $152 billion tax rebate plan, the 51 million Americans who now get social security benefits should automatically get an additional $250 check from the federal government, without having to file any extra paperwork.

AARP says the payment will be sent in late May or early June.

The next question comes from Ryan Orsino. He asked, "At what time can middle class families like mine anticipate a stimulus check and about how much can we expect it to be?"

If you're a regular working class family, you're not getting a stimulus check. Working class families will not get a stimulus check. This stimulus package is different from President Bush's plan last year, but you still should see more money coming your way.

Workers earning $75,000 or less can get up to a $400 payroll tax credit. It's a credit for up to 6.2 percent of earnings.

If you earn at least $6,450, but no more than $75,000 as a single filer, you should receive the credit. This means the government will reduce the amount of federal income tax you pay. Singles could take home as much as $30 extra a month, or couples about $60 a month. That may start in the spring or early summer.

So if you're on social security, you should get a check in the mail. But if you're a working class family, you should see more money only in the form of less taxes.

If you have a question and you'd like us to get answers for you, just go back to our home page at www.13wmaz.com and click on News at the top. Then look for the Get Answers icon.