Henry Cuellar

Contact: Thomas Seay 202-225-1640

Washington, May 1, 2009 - Congressman Henry Cuellar today announced that, beginning this month, Social Security and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries across Texas will receive one-time economic recovery payments of $250.

“These checks will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Texas seniors and veterans, many of whom have been hit especially hard by today’s economic challenges,” Congressman Cuellar said. “Not only will this money help seniors and veterans afford food, medicine, and other basic costs of living, but every dollar spent will help to jump-start job creation and strengthen the Texas economy.”

The recovery payments will be issued in the same way that beneficiaries receive their regular Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits: either by mail, direct deposit, or Direct Express debit card. The funds were authorized in the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act that Congress passed earlier this year.

In all, more than 52 million beneficiaries across America will receive the one-time payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) expects that all SSA beneficiaries who are entitled to the benefit will receive it by late May 2009. The Department of Veterans Affairs will begin distributing their payments in June.

No action is required by seniors or veterans to receive the recovery payments. Each individual will receive at most one $250 payment.

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.