Some 86 thousand Mississippians whom the IRS deems "hard to reach" have not filed a tax return recently and could be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment. Individuals who are approved for the program could receive up to 12 hundred dollars in federal coronavirus stimulus money from the CARES Act. And married couples, or those with children, could receive more. IRS Spokesperson Michael Devine says many of the residents who have not filed yet may not know the program exists. He says "they probably don't have the Internet, they don't read the paper, they may not even be able to watch the news on TV. So we're doing what we can to reach them directly, and then working with our partners in communities all across the country to get the word out, we get the information we need, and then we can give them any EIP that they're eligible for."
Some Mississippians are facing job insecurity and financial strain for the first time because of the coronavirus pandemic. Kathy Clem, Executive Director at the Good Samaritan Center in Jackson, says her organization has been helping families and individuals apply for government assistance. She says the application process can be difficult and confusing for those who lack internet, education, or a place to stay. "It's about sharing the message, making sure organizations like Good Samaritan Center know that, and that we can ask every single person that comes through our doors 'Did you apply, let's see if you're eligible, let's help you look down that avenue,' because for some of my clients, it's hard to fathom but that can be a couple months rent," says Clem.
Individuals could be eligible to receive stimulus money if they are a citizen or resident alien, have a social security number, and can't be claimed as a dependent. Not everyone who receives a letter will qualify.
