Still time to file: Thousands if stimukus checks unclaimed

Thousands of area residents have money coming, if only they file for it.

Sound like one of those flim-flam deals that come at us via TV, e-mail, snail mail and carrier pigeon? Well, this one is from the government.

More than 100,000 Missourians – including 24,000 in the Kansas City area – are still eligible for “economic stimulus” checks that the government sent out by the millions this spring and summer. Economist say they did what they were expected to do: boost consumer spending a little and help out the sagging economy.

Some people, however, haven’t gotten checks. Mostly those are folks who don’t file tax returns. For example, those whose sole income is from Social Security or a disability benefit might not file taxes. But you have to file a 2007 tax return to get the $300 payment.

Who wants to turn down free cash? If you know someone who might be eligible, it might be worth looking into.