[Ohio-Talk] A message from our Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy

[Richard Payne]

	Dear Fellow Federationists:

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. 

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. 

The latest information we have about this critical program (as of April 14,
2020) is as follows:
If you meet the income requirements specified by the CARES Act (outlined on
our Economic Impact Payment information page
<https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources/cares-act-economic-impact-
payments> ), 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 IRS website
<https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here>  to
enter your information in order to receive your Economic Impact Payment. You
will also need to visit the IRS website if you need 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. 

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 COVID-19
resources page <https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources> . 

Stay inside. Stay safe. 

Warm regards,
John


John G. Paré Jr. 
Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy 
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Telephone: (410) 659-9314, extension 2218
Cell phone: (410) 917-1965
Fax: (410) 685-5653
Email: jpare at nfb.org <mailto:jpare at nfb.org>   
 
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.
 
Make a gift <https://nfb.org/make-gift>  to the National Federation of the
Blind and help ensure all blind Americans live the lives they want.​



Richard Payne,  President
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com
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


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