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$250 stimulus checks out this month
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Posted on Apr 30 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue has informed CNMI Rep. Gregorio “Kilili” C. Sablan that the $250 economic recovery payments will reach the Northern Marianas this month.
“We estimate that we will be sending your constituents $0.6 million in recovery payments,” wrote Astrue.
The one-time payments will go to Social Security, Railroad Retirement, Veterans Disability, and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries, who were eligible for benefits in November or December 2008 or January 2009. The payments were authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Congress passed in February.
“Putting cash directly in the hands of consumers is one of the best ways to stimulate the economy,” said Sablan. “I hope this money eases the burden for the elderly and other beneficiaries and allows them to make some of the purchases they have had to delay.”
In his letter Astrue explained that it is not necessary for the beneficiaries to take any action to receive the $250 checks. “SSA will automatically mail the check to or pay into accounts of eligible recipients,” he wrote.
Astrue said Social Security and SSI beneficiaries should also be receiving advance notice about the payments through the mail.
Eligible veterans will receive their payment from the Veterans Administration.
Nationwide more than 50 million people are expected to get the stimulus payment. The SSA expects that by May 29 more than $13 billion will have been distributed.
Sablan and Astrue are scheduled to meet on May 8 to discuss how the distribution is going and other issues regarding the Social Security system in the Northern Marianas.
Social Security has asked that anyone who does not receive a payment wait until June 4 to report the missing check. At that time there will be a toll-free number—1-800-772-1213—to call; or beneficiaries may contact the local Social Security office. Veterans may call 1-877-772-5772.
Sablan’s District and Washington offices will also be available to help any Social Security beneficiary or disabled veteran who does not receive a check by June 4.
For more information, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov or, for veterans, http://www.va.gov.
