Thousands in Kane, DuPage to receive one-time $250 check

Upward of 97,000 people in the 14th Congressional District may receive a one-time $250 check in the mail, thanks to the federal stimulus plan.

Congressman Bill Foster's office reported this week that $24.39 million in additional retirement and disability payments is headed to district residents this May.

People who receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement, Veterans' Disability or Supplementary Security Income benefits will receive the check. Those who receive more than one benefit in that list will still only receive one additional $250 check. Children receiving benefits are not eligible unless they are disabled adults older than 18.

The money will not affect income eligibility for SSI or Social Security benefits. However, recipients who are working may want to check with their employer to see if it will affect their withholding for income tax purposes. Those who owe money to the government or have delinquent child support payments may see their $250 check captured to help pay the debt.

The Chicago field office of the Social Security Administration did not have a specific breakout of eligible recipients in the area. But with only one $250 check available per recipient, that comes out to 97,560 recipients by Foster's raw dollar total.

No action is necessary to receive the $250. It will come directly to qualifying recipients as a separate payment by direct deposit, check or a credit to their Direct Express debit card.

"I am pleased that the Recovery Act will help seniors on limited incomes make ends meet," said Foster in a written statement. "This will help seniors pay for essential items, like rent, food and prescription drugs."