Homeless can receive access to stimulus payments

COLUMBIA, MO (KMIZ)

The homeless population has the ability to receive stimulus checks.

The IRS offers a free tax filing tool on its website allowing for unhoused people who make less than $72,000 annually to file easily. The department also offers free tax prep help for those in need, which will provide options for tax preparers who volunteer to help file taxes.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has provided information on mail correspondence were stimulus payments can be sent and held for those who do not have a permanent address.

"The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify."

Lori Benson with the Salvation Army says they inform all guests that they may be able to receive a stimulus check. She says it's become a standard procedure to ensure guests are aware of the possibility of collecting a stimulus payment.

"That's something that the staff makes sure they're informed of that they may be eligible for a stimulus check," said Benson.

The Salvation Army prepares and files the information for their guests to receive stimulus payments. Stimulus payments are mailed to the shelter and given to guests. If guests have transitioned out of the shelter before their payment arrives the shelter finds a way to contact them so that they can pick up their stimulus payment.

Benson says the stimulus checks help the homeless population to get back on their feet and have a successful transition out of the shelter. The shelter encourages guests to save any money they make so that they are able to become financially stable once leaving the shelter.

"That can go to help them hopefully with a deposit towards an apartment or whatever it is they may need that helps them move out into a sustainable living situation," said Benson.

Check back for more details as this is a developing story or tune in at ABC 17 News live at 5 & 6.