The Social Security Expansion Act Aims to Boost Financial Support for Seniors
In a bid to provide additional financial relief, the Social Security Expansion Act is set to offer a $200 per month enhancement to individuals already receiving Social Security benefits or those turning 62 in 2023. The focus of this stimulus is to aid senior citizens, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities.
Qualification Criteria:
The stimulus checks will be distributed based on specific criteria determined by each state government. To be eligible for assistance:
- Individuals must have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of up to $75,000.
- Married couples filing jointly must have an AGI of up to $150,000.
- Heads of households should have an AGI of up to $112,500.
Notably, veterans, individuals aged 65 or older, and those already receiving social benefits do not need to take any action to receive the stimulus.
Additionally, any family member with a Social Security number (SSN) can qualify for the Fourth Stimulus Check. Even if parents are ineligible, their children could qualify if they possess an SSN, provided both parents have ITINs.
State-Specific Aid Updates:
Several states have approved additional aid to address the ongoing economic challenges:
- Arizona plans to provide annual support of $2,000 to individuals rejoining the workforce after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- California is set to distribute one-time checks ranging from $600 to $1,200 for individuals earning less than $75,000 annually.
- Colorado aims to offer $375 to individuals who have received unemployment payments within a specified period.
- Maine is providing $285 in disaster relief and announcing $850 support checks to counter inflation.
- Maryland will disburse $500 to families and $300 to individuals who filed an Earned Income Tax Credit in 2019.
- Missouri is allocating $250 to support mental health workers, nursing homes, and correctional facilities.
Moreover:
- New Mexico is issuing a one-time $750 check to low-income groups not qualifying for federal stimulus.
- New York is offering one-time support ranging from $3,200 to $15,600 to those unemployed due to the pandemic.
- Vermont is supporting frontline workers with $1,200-$2,000 through the Hazard Pay Grant Program.
As the Fourth Stimulus Check unfolds, it aims to alleviate financial burdens for seniors and vulnerable populations. State-specific aid initiatives complement this federal effort, reflecting a multi-tiered approach to address the diverse needs arising from the ongoing economic challenges.