Capito reminds SS recipients they don't have to file tax return to get stimulus money

CHARLESTON — Social Security recipients won’t have to file an abbreviated tax return to receive a stimulus payment, with the money instead automatically deposited into their bank accounts, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., reminded West Virginians on Thursday.

Capito and 21 of her colleagues on Wednesday had written the IRS and the Department of Treasury calling on the agencies to automatically qualify seniors for the direct Economic Impact Payments.

By Wednesday evening, Treasury clarified its stance.

“In this global pandemic, the last thing seniors should be worried about is more government bureaucracy keeping them from the assistance they need,” Capito said. “I’m glad Treasury listened to the bipartisan concerns on this issue. West Virginia seniors can rest a little easier knowing their assistance will be in their bank accounts soon.”