Federal Benefit Payments Are Going All-Electronic

Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service
Learn more at www.godirect.org.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury now requires all federal benefit and nontax payments to be paid electronically. People applying for Social Security, Veterans benefits or other federal benefits on or after May 1, 2011, will receive their payments electronically starting with their first payment. People currently receiving federal benefit checks will need to switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013.

Those who do not choose an electronic payment option at the time they apply for federal benefits or those who do not switch by the deadline will receive their benefit payments via the Direct Express^® Debit MasterCard^® card, so they will not experience any interruption in payment. People who are already receiving benefit payments electronically do not need to take action. They will continue to receive their payment as usual on the payment day.

Having federal benefits paid electronically by direct deposit into the bank or credit union account of one's choice or into a Direct Express^® card account is safer, faster and more reliable than receiving paper benefit checks. In 2010, more than 540,000 Treasury-issued checks were reported lost or stolen, and had to be reissued.

With direct deposit, the Treasury Department sends an electronic message to one's bank or credit union account on the usual payment day with the exact amount of the benefit payment from Social Security, VA or other federal agency.  People don’t have to worry about their money being stolen out of their mailbox and there’s no need to make a trip to cash or deposit a check. Plus, it’s better for the environment and saves taxpayer dollars.

Partner Update: IRS

Where’s My Refund?—one of IRS’ most popular online features—gives taxpayers access to information about the status of their individual federal income tax refunds. This is regardless of whether they ask IRS to direct deposit their refunds to one, two or three accounts; apply any or all of their refund toward the purchase of U.S. Savings Bonds, or; mail them paper checks. Taxpayers can access Where’s My Refund? in English or Spanish at www.irs.gov. Taxpayers without internet access can get the same information by calling IRS’ Refund Hotline at 1-800-829-1954.

Where’s My Refund? is convenient
Taxpayers can use Where’s My Refund? to verify when their refunds are scheduled for direct deposit or mailing. Taxpayers can also find out if their refund, or a portion of their refund, will be reduced to offset an outstanding balance with the IRS or other government agencies.

How Where’s My Refund? works
Taxpayers can access Where’s My Refund? from a link on the front page of IRS.gov. Easy online instructions and prompts guide taxpayers.

Search results include information about:

• “Refund” returns received and in processing;
• “Refund” returns received and under review;
• The expected mailing dates or direct deposit dates of refunds (in the case of split refunds,

Where’s My Refund? will confirm the refund was split but will not specify the amount deposited to each account or to which accounts deposits were made);

• Errors that changed the amount of refunds;
• Refund offsets to other government agencies;
• Processing delays due to other tax liabilities, SSN mismatches, etc; and
• Refunds returned to IRS as undeliverable.

Where’s My Refund? only contains information about returns showing a refund due the taxpayer, i.e., taxpayers filing returns with balances due or credit-elects cannot obtain information.

Refunds and Offsets
Through Where's My Refund?, taxpayers have access to information about their tax refunds and any offsets. Electronic filers can access their refund information within 72 hours of submitting their returns; paper filers can use Where’s My Refund? three to four weeks after mailing their returns. In the case of refund offsets, Where’s My Refund? advises taxpayers about any IRS or Financial Management Service (FMS) adjustments to refund amounts for math errors, offsets, etc., and provide telephone numbers if taxpayers want additional information. This is in addition to notices from IRS or FMS explaining in detail any refund adjustments or offsets. This information is available in both English and Spanish.


Sample Refund and Offset messages
“We are sorry. We cannot provide any information about your refund. It can take up to 3 weeks to process your return. Please wait at least one week before you log-on again to check the status of your refund.”  This message appears for all returns that have not progressed far enough in IRS processing for our system to provide a status. For e-filed returns, this message could appear up to 12 to 24 hours (or 48 hours on weekends) after taxpayers receive acknowledgements from their preparers, online transmitters, or the IRS.

“You should receive your refund by (date).” This is a projected date, providing there are no errors on the return or other delays. For e-filed returns, taxpayers should receive direct deposits the Friday before the projected date. E-filers expecting paper checks will receive their refunds a week after the projected date.

“Your refund may be reduced to pay a past due obligation such as child support, another federal agency debt, or state income tax.” This message is displayed when there is an indication from FMS that the taxpayer’s refund, or a portion of their refund, may be offset to pay a past due obligation to another governmental entity. If this applies, FMS will send a notice informing the taxpayer of any offset. The details of the debt are not provided to the IRS. Taxpayers should direct their inquiries regarding the offset or debt to the agency identified on the notice. 

“Your refund has been reduced by $ [Offset Amount] to pay a past due obligation such as child support, another federal agency debt, or state income tax.” This message is displayed when we receive an update from FMS that an offset has actually occurred. If this applies, FMS will send a notice informing the taxpayer of the offset. The notice will indicate to which agency debt the offset was applied. The FMS phone number is also provided in the case the notice has not been received by the taxpayer.

Refund Date Projections
IRS projects the refund date using the best available information, but variances may occur due to the timing of direct deposits through the banking system and mail delivery for paper checks. Taxpayers may receive direct deposits on e-filed returns a few days earlier than the posted dates. Taxpayers checking their mailboxes for refunds may receive their checks a few days later.

Thanks to community partner Regis Bodnar for sharing this IRS update.

Senior Safety

The Pennsylvania Resource Council has created a brochure: Sure Bets for Senior Safety-Protect Older Persons from Potentially Dangerous Hazards in the Home. It features safety tips, warnings about household chemicals, and contact information for local and national organizations.

To view or print the PDF brochure, click here.

End of Life Discussion

A recent article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review highlights the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's effort to encourage Pennsylvanians to talk to their loved ones about end-of-life decisions. The agency has just released a series of "Just Talk About It" videos-filmed in Pittsburgh. The article emphasizes the importance of talking about end-of-life decisions before a critical illness happens.

Full article by Chris Togneri.

Underinsured or Uninsured? A Guide to Health Care Resources in Allegheny County

The Allegheny County Health Department has recently updated and expanded its directory of local health centers and clinics that serve people with minimal or no health insurance.

The directory has been expanded to include an improved listing of dental services as well as other resources such as the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Ways to Work and Gilda’s Club, which offers free support groups and programs for those living with cancer and their loved ones. This Guide may be duplicated and distributed in your work with community members.

A Few Good Articles

If they haven’t already crossed your desk, you may enjoy these articles on book clubs, golden years collection development, and a cooperative model for services to older adults.

Party On! at Your Book Discussions: Shouldn't a book club be about the fun of sharing?
American Libraries | July 2010

Collection Development: The New Golden Years
Library Journal | July 2010

A Senior Program Grows in Brooklyn: Brooklyn Public Library's Service to the Aging
Public Libraries | September/October 2010

Adults and Social Media

The Pew Internet and American Life Project has issued a report on older adults and their use of social networking online.

Report Overview: (From Pew Internet)
While social media use has grown dramatically across all age groups, older users have been especially enthusiastic over the past year about embracing new networking tools. Social networking use among internet users ages 50 and older nearly doubled—from 22% in April 2009 to 42% in May 2010.

• Between April 2009 and May 2010, social networking use among internet users ages 50-64 grew by 88%--from 25% to 47%.
• During the same period, use among those ages 65 and older grew 100%--from 13% to 26%.
• By comparison, social networking use among users ages 18-29 grew by 13%—from 76% to 86%.

“Young adults continue to be the heaviest users of social media, but their growth pales in comparison with recent gains made by older users,” explains Mary Madden, Senior Research Specialist and author of the report. “Email is still the primary way that older users maintain contact with friends, families and colleagues, but many older users now rely on social network platforms to help manage their daily communications.”

• One in five (20%) online adults ages 50-64 say they use social networking sites on a typical day, up from 10% one year ago.
• Among adults ages 65 and older, 13% log on to social networking sites on a typical day, compared with just 4% who did so in 2009.

At the same time, the use of status update services like Twitter has also grown—particularly among those ages 50-64. One in ten internet users ages 50 and older now say they use Twitter or another service to share updates about themselves or see updates about others.

For the full report, click here.

Partner Update: Consumer Health Coalition

From a recent update from the Consumer Health Coalition in CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE CAREGIVER!

Today we celebrate the Year of the Caregiver!

Why? Family caregivers play a crucial, often under-appreciated, role in our families, communities and in our health care system.

Caregivers are on the front lines.

They fight hard for the well-being of family members and friends who are patients, many of whom suffer from multiple chronic conditions. They navigate our fragmented, poorly coordinated health care system, often at great personal cost, to get the job done for those who need them. It’s no easy task!

Caregivers are our heroes.

So in this Year of the Caregiver, we simply want to say: Thank you. We appreciate you and all your hard work.

Caregivers also need our support.

It shouldn’t be so hard to ensure that our loved ones get the care they need and deserve. We know what would help: doctors and specialists working together as a team, medical records at our fingertips, and patients and their families no longer left to fend for themselves.

There is a better way. That’s what the Campaign for Better Care is all about – and that’s why we are proud supporters of this critical Campaign.

So, today, in honor of all the caregivers in our lives, let’s show our solidarity. Join Consumer Health Coalition and the PA Campaign for Better Care – and thousands of coalition organizations and activists across the country – and add your voice to the Campaign for Better Care’s tribute wall.

Take a moment and add your photo (or video) to this new interactive website “wall” and show support for caregivers and the Campaign that is fighting for them -- and fighting for the patients they support.

It’s easy. Go to www.CampaignforBetterCare.org/Wall and click “Add Your Voice.”

Kick off the Year of the Caregiver in (social media) style. Make your voice heard – help us fight for Better Care – participate in the tribute wall project today!

Thank you for your support.

Foster Grandparent Program Senior Expo

The Foster Grandparent Progam will be hosting a Senior Expo on Thursday, November 18 from 10AM to 2PM

• Speak with representatives from local agencies and health care providers
• Enjoy refreshments
• Enter for a chance to win door prize

The expo will be held at: 225 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

For more information contact Michael Parker at 412-263-3168

Hosted by the Foster Grandparent Program, locally sponsored by the American Red Cross; in partnership with Unizon Health Plan, A United Group Company.

Tax Preparation Volunteers Needed

A message shared by the United Way of Allegheny County on behalf of the Money In Your Pocket Coalition:

Are you looking for a volunteer experience where you can make an immediate and measureable difference in someone’s life? 

The United Way of Allegheny County and the Money In Your Pocket Coalition need your help this tax season to provide free tax preparation assistance for low-income individuals and families in Allegheny County. 

Last year, more than 125 students, professionals, and retirees dedicated over 4,000 hours to Allegheny County’s free tax campaign.  Volunteers prepared 4,486 tax returns and helped return $7.8 million in tax refunds back to local residents, including $3.1 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. 

For the clients we serve, these tax refunds helped put food on the table, pay off debt, make rent or mortgage payments, and pay for heat and electricity during Pittsburgh’s winter months. Learn more about the free tax campaign at http://www.pghfreetaxes.org. 

Am I eligible to become a volunteer tax preparer? 

If you have experience doing your own tax returns (or just want to learn), we need you!  Tax preparation volunteers have basic computer skills, enjoy working with others, and successfully complete two days of tax training and IRS certification (provided by the MIYP Coalition free of charge). 

Time commitment:

Your short-term time commitment is 3 or more hours per week from January-April.  Scheduling is easy, and includes daytime, evening, or weekend hours.  

Training:

You choose one of the following tax training weekends:

January 8^th and 9^th from 9 am to 5 pm

January 15^th and 16^th from 9 am to 5 pm

January 22^nd and 23^rd from 9 am to 5 pm

 Free Tax Site Locations:

 South Side

 Monroeville

 Downtown

 East Liberty

 Lawrenceville

 North Side

We hope you will join us for the 2011 tax season, and ask that you:

• Fill out and save the attached volunteer application form

• Email it back to us as an attachment at freetaxes@uwac.org

• Or print it out and fax it to us at 412.456.6893

When we receive your application, we’ll register you for training and forward your application to your chosen site.  You will receive a confirmation email within one business day.  Please return your completed application by December 31, 2010.  If you have questions or need more information, email us at freetaxes@uwac.org or call 412.456.6785.    

Please pass this message along to your contacts and networks! The Money In Your Pocket Coalition includes Just Harvest, Family Resources, Goodwill of Southwestern PA, United Cerebral Palsy, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, and the United Way of Allegheny County.

Partner Update: AARP

From the AARP Pennsylvania E-News Monthly, October 2010:

AARP Launches Mobile Device Apps   

AARP recently launched its first foray into mobile content with the debut of four new digital apps. The new AARP app for iPhone and iPod touch enables AARP members to carry a digital version of their membership card, allowing them easier access to member benefits, activities and programs. AARP also introduced three separate apps for AARP The Magazine, AARP Bulletin and AARP VIVA that are available for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users.

The AARP Apps are available for free at www.itunes.com/appstore. For additional information or instructions on how to access the mobile apps, visit www.aarp.org/mobile. 

Create The Good By Helping Military Families

Create The Good is where good people connect with opportunities to help communities in whatever way works for them. Nothing could be simpler.

• Every day, you can find new opportunities to do service in your community that fit your life and interests.
• For those of you who prefer work at your own pace, we’ve created Do It Yourself toolkits.

This month consider Helping Military Families. Deployed military members leave behind spouses, children and parents who must try to maintain life as usual while their loved one is away. Often, they are left to settle into a new community without the benefit of local family and friends. Giving a bit of your time can make a world of difference.

Visit CreateTheGood.org for more opportunities, tools and ideas to help improve your community.

VETERANS DAY DISCOUNTS 2010

From a community partner at the IRS:

Eat Free at Applebee's
Military veterans and active-duty Service Members will be able to eat free at any Applebee's across the U.S. on Veteran's Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010. There will be six entrées available from the menu. Guests will be asked to show one or more of the following as proof of service: a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, a photograph in uniform, or wearing a uniform in person. For more information about Veterans Day at Applebee's, visit the Applebee's website: http://www.applebees.com/vetsDay/default.aspx.

Military Eat Free at Golden Corral
Golden Corral's 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 15, 2010, from 5 to 9 pm in all Golden Corral restaurants nationwide. The free dinner meal is a special "thank you tribute" to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, or in the National Guard/Reserves, you are invited to join us for Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Monday dinner. To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.2 million free meals and contributed over $3.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. Website for more information: http://www.goldencorral.com/military/

McCormick & Schmick's Complimentary Lunch or Dinner
Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entree on Sunday, November 7. Some of the mouth-watering selections include Cashew-Crusted Tilapia, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Seafood Fettuccini Alfredo and Cedar-Planked Salmon. http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/featured-promotion/Veterans-Appreciation-Day.aspx

Salute from Outback Steakhouse
As an expression of Outback Steakhouse's appreciation to our Country's veterans and active duty military*, a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage of choice (one non-alcoholic drink or one draft Anheuser Busch beer except where prohibited by law) will be available to them at every Outback in the country on Veterans Day. Please visit: http://www.outback.com/pressroom/pr_101018.aspx for details.

Home Depot and Lowe's Military Discount
Home Depot and Lowe's have long been known to offer a 10% holiday discount to military members and their families and in many cases veterans and retirees. These promotions were usually limited to the main military holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Veterans Day. Well, no longer - both companies have announced these offers are available every day of the week.
http://themilitarywallet.com/home-depot-lowes-10-military-discount/

Fee Free Day at National Parks
To honor America's service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that areas managed by the department would not charge entrance fees on Thursday, November 11, 2010.

Colonial Williamsburg Free Admission
Colonial Williamsburg honors America's Veterans with a procession down Duke of Gloucester Street, 4:30 p.m., beginning at the Capitol. The parade culminates in a public ceremony, with militia and cannon crew firing volleys in recognition of those who serve. Hear Colonial Williamsburg's Fifes and Drums, and speakers from past and present. Active duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents enjoy free admission passes Friday through Wednesday, Nov. 6-11. Learn more
http://www.history.org/visit/eventsAndExhibits/calendar/index.

Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival | Call for Library Groups

A message from the Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival:

The Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival is compiling a list with contact information of knitters, crocheters, spinners and weavers who meet in the Greater Pittsburgh area and will publish it in our Festival Program for February 2011.  It occurred to us that many such groups may meet in the public libraries.  If such a group meets in your library please let them know about this opportunity to inform other like-minded individuals about their group.  If they would like to have their group published on the list or have any other questions about the list or the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival they can submit information or contact us at pghknitandcrochet @gmail.com or call 412-963-7030.