Local shelters working to get the homeless access to stimulus payments
COLUMBIA, MO (KMIZ)
Editor's note: This story has been updated to show that only Salvation Army residents and clients can receive the stimulus check assistance.
Local homeless shelters, like the Salvation Army, are ensuring residents and clients have access to federally-approved stimulus money if eligible.
Lori Benson with the Salvation Army says staff said guests have been made aware of the opportunity to receive stimulus checks.
"That's something that the staff makes sure they're informed of, that they may be eligible for a stimulus check," Benson said.
Staff members assist the residents by helping them fill out and then have the checks mailed to the shelter.
If a guest has transitioned out of the shelter before their check is received, Benson said those people should contact the Salvation Army to pickup their payment.
Benson said this program is only available to people staying at Salvation Army shelters and the organization's clients. She said staff members are not taking walk-in appointments.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has provided information on mail correspondence where stimulus payments can be sent and held for those who do not have a permanent address.
Amanda Ancell the Columbia Area Supervisor for Jackson Hewitt says all one would need is an ID and social security number to get access to filing for their stimulus payments. Some local tax offices like Jackson Hewitt will require people to have a social security card as well.
"First thing they need is their I.D. and they need to do what is called a non-filers, it's basically filling out the 10-40 letting the IRS know what they're mailing address is so they can be sent a check," Ancell said.
Ancell says there are local shelters and tax filing volunteers who will assist those with filing for their stimulus checks.
The IRS offers a free tax filing tool on its website allowing homeless people who make less than $72,000 annually to file. The department also offers free tax prep help for those in need.
Stimulus payments can help the vulnerable population live in a stable living situation or give them access to health care.
"(The stimulus) 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," Benson said.
