PITTSBURGH -- In the next few weeks, over 130 million American households will receive economic stimulus checks. The U.S. government is sending out the payments days ahead of schedule.

To receive a payment, individual taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, at least $3,000 in income in 2007 and have filed a 2007 federal tax return. Retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who usually are exempt from filing a tax return must do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment.

The Internal Revenue Service is warning that there are several phone call and e-mail scams concerning the stimulus rebate. They warn to never give out private information and urge Americans to contact the government if they feel they may be a victim.

When Can Taxpayers Expect To Receive Money?
Taxpayers who received their income tax refund by direct deposit will also receive the stimulus payment via direct deposit. Those who received an income tax refund check by mail will also send the stimulus check by mail.

Single taxpayers will receive up to $600; married couples will receive up to $1,200. Parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child under 17 years of age. Some people will not qualify for the rebate if their income exceeds a certain amount.

Direct Deposit Payments

If the last two digits of your Social Security number are: 00 – 20 21 – 75 76 – 99

Your economic stimulus payment deposit should be sent to your bank account by: May 2 May 9 May 16

Paper Check

If the last two digits of your Social Security number are: 00 – 09 10 – 18 19 – 25 26 – 38 39 – 51 52 – 63 64 – 75 76 – 87 88 – 99

Your check should be in the mail by: May 16 May 23 May 30 June 6 June 13 June 20 June 27 July 4 July 11

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