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Dear Fellow Federationists:</div>
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Due to the speed at which coronavirus relief legislation has been, and continues to be, drafted and passed, some confusion and misunderstanding has surrounded certain important aspects of the aid offered. It's not just the general public that is confused about
these provisions. Even federal agencies have had to update and revise their guidance multiple times in recent weeks in order to keep up and better understand the changing landscape. </div>
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One of the most talked about relief measures which has had its fair share of this confusion is the Economic Impact Payment. Initially, the IRS guidance for this program stated only those who had filed tax returns for 2018 or 2019 would automatically receive
the payment with no further action necessary. All others (including Social Security retirement recipients, SSDI recipients, and SSI recipients), even if they met the income threshold, would be required to file a simple tax return. This guidance was revised
only a few days later, and after pressure from Congress, to say that Social Security retirement recipients and SSDI recipients would automatically receive the payments because they received Form SSA-1099, but they would still not be eligible for the additional
$500 dependent payment for children 16 and under. Just yesterday the IRS changed its guidance again. </div>
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The latest information we have about this critical program (as of April 14, 2020) is as follows:</div>
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If you meet the income requirements specified by the CARES Act (outlined on our<span> </span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources/cares-act-economic-impact-payments" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources/cares-act-economic-impact-payments" style="margin: 0px">Economic
Impact Payment information page</a>), and you have filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, OR you receive Social Security retirement benefits or SSDI benefits you do not need to take any action in order to receive your Economic Impact Payment. As a matter of
fact, you may have already received it, as we are hearing reports from Federationists that the payment has arrived in their bank account. However, if you receive SSI payments, you will need to visit the<span> </span><a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here" style="margin: 0px">IRS
website</a><span> </span>to enter your information in order to receive your Economic Impact Payment. You will also need to visit the IRS website if you need
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the additional $500 per dependent and did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and are therefore solely receiving your Economic Impact Payment as a result of receiving Social Security retirement or SSDI</span>. </div>
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We know things have been confusing. And, just like everyone else, we have been doing our best to keep up with all of the changing information. In the event the guidance changes again, which is possible, we will be sure to send another update. In the meantime,
for the most up-to-date information we have on all aspects of coronavirus relief programs, please visit our<span> </span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources" style="margin: 0px">COVID-19
resources page</a>. </div>
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Stay inside. Stay safe. </div>
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Warm regards,</div>
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John</div>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">John G. Paré Jr. </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">National Federation of the Blind</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">200 East Wells Street</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Baltimore, MD 21230</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Telephone: (410) 659-9314, extension 2218</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Cell phone: (410) 917-1965</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Fax: (410) 685-5653</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Email: <a href="mailto:jpare@nfb.org">
jpare@nfb.org</a> </p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a href="https://nfb.org/make-gift">Make a gift</a> to the National Federation of the Blind and help ensure all blind Americans live the lives they want.<br>
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