St. Louis seniors say stimulus checks will provide a boost

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- To senior citizens living on fixed incomes, economic stimulus checks from the federal government will translate into more than a little extra pocket money. Seniors in St. Louis said Monday it will mean additional funds to buy meat at the grocery store, pay for doses of bone-strengthening medicine, allow for the replacement of old appliances.

As part of an effort to boost the economy, millions of Americans will receive one-time payments up to $600 for individuals or $1,200 for a married couple filing their federal tax return jointly, with an additional $300 for each qualifying child younger than 17. Payments will be issued beginning in May.

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., on Monday visited the Five Star Senior Center to deliver an important reminder: To receive a stimulus check, you must file a 2007 federal tax return, even if you normally don't earn enough to make it necessary.

McCaskill blamed economic policies during the Bush administration for driving the nation "into an economic ditch," but thought the stimulus checks would help the economy.

"It remains to be seen if it's enough to get us over the hump," she said.

The seniors said the checks will provide a financial boost. Lula Oglesby, 72, said she doesn't have a problem making ends meet, but the money would allow her to buy a few more groceries and help pay for her medications to cut down on her anxiety and keep her bones healthy. Paul Phillips, 81, said he might use the funds toward a new refrigerator, saying his current one is about 40 years old and on its last legs.

Nathaniel Sanders, 67, a retired tractor-trailer driver, rents a one-bedroom apartment for $156 and lives on $645 in monthly Social Security payments.

"It's pretty hard sometimes," Sanders said. "When you get through paying the bills, you don't have too much to spend. There's the light bill, the phone bill, the grocery bill, and that's it."

He didn't have big plans for his check -- maybe a new cap, a jacket or a new table for his home.

"Every little bit helps," he said.

Elsie Klemme, 82, worked in the cafeteria at the Tower Grove Manor retirement home before retiring. She owns her home, and lives on a monthly $582 Social Security check. She tries not to let her finances worry her, tries to spend within her means -- like spending just $31 for groceries this weekend.

Many of the seniors meeting with McCaskill said they haven't had enough money to file federal income taxes in recent years. Some had questions about how to file, but were told they can get help at the center.

A handout advised seniors who don't normally file their federal tax return to do so if they have at least $3,000 in qualifying income. That can include salary, Social Security money, veterans' benefits -- including disability compensation, pension or survivors' benefits. It does not include Supplemental Security Income or unemployment money.

The payment amount will begin to phase out for Americans with individual income above $75,000 or $150,000 for a married couple filing a joint return.

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More information: www.irs.gov or 800-829-1040.