It's Not Too Late to Claim Your Economic Stimulus Payment

It is not too late to file a return to claim an economic stimulus payment. The IRS urges people to file by October 15 to ensure that they receive a payment prior to year's end. It can take up to eight weeks for the IRS to process the return and issue the payment.

For people who have no tax liability or no tax filing requirement, there is a minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples), plus the $300 for each qualifying child. To be eligible for the minimum payment, individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income.

Qualifying income includes any combination of earned income, nontaxable combat pay and certain benefit payments from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement.