Thousands haven't claimed stimulus checks

More than 175,000 low-income seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities in North Carolina have yet to claim their economic stimulus payments from the federal government.

Locally, more than 9,000 people in Wake County and more than 4,000 people in Durham County haven't claimed checks. Raleigh has more than 5,000 people with unclaimed money, according to the N.C. Budget and Tax Center.

Residents have until Oct. 15 to file a tax return in order to receive a stimulus check, according to a media release.

"Especially with the weak economy, many North Carolinians are having a tough time making ends meet," said Meg Gray, Policy Analyst at the NC Budget and Tax Center in the release. “These stimulus payments can give them much-needed help."

The legislation passed by Congress earlier in the year made the stimulus payments available to people with incomes too low to file tax returns, according to the release. This group includes low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities who are either Social Security or Veteran’s Administration beneficiaries.

To receive a payment, individuals must file a 2007 tax return using IRS form 1040A. In North Carolina, there are several ways to claim a stimulus check:

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites will be open across the state through Oct. 15. These sites provide free help to both prepare and file the appropriate tax return. For a list of VITA sites, e-mail meg@ncjustice.org or lgorham@mdcinc.org.

Ten local IRS offices across the state will also provide free walk-in help. Visit http://www.irs.gov or call 1-800-829-1040.

AARP and the National Council on Aging also has information to claim checks. Visit www.AARP.org/stimulus or www.benefitscheckup.org.