Alabama Department of Senior Services is urging seniors in Chilton County to file for their economic stimulus checks as soon as possible, as the deadline of Oct. 15 is quickly approaching. A total of 1,048 Alabamians in Chilton County have yet to claim their economic stimulus payment, many of which are 65 or older.

Even if seniors do not usually file a tax return, they may be eligible for a $300 stimulus payment ($600 if married) if they received over $3,000 from Social Security, Railroad Retirement or Veterans Administration. Filing for the stimulus payment will not affect eligibility for services currently received.

“We are partnering with the Internal Revenue Service and United Way of Central Alabama to ensure that all eligible seniors receive the economic stimulus payment they are entitled to,” explained Irene Collins, Commissioner, Alabama Department of Senior Services. “Volunteer sites have been set up across the state, offering free assistance in filing, and will remain open until the Oct. 15 deadline.”

For more information or for assistance in filing, contact your Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-AGELINE or visit www.AlabamaAgeline.gov. If you suspect you may have been a victim of fraud relating to the economic stimulus payment, contact your local Area Agency on Aging to speak with a Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) representative at 1-800-AGELINE.