Over $21 million in economic stimulus payments are sitting in government coffers because more than 70,000 eligible senior citizens, veterans and others in Arkansas have not filed for their share of government funds, according to information supplied by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

In Poinsett County there are 802 people who had not yet filed for their economic stimulus payments.

"With energy prices at all time highs and other essential costs rising to keep pace, it's more important than ever that those who are eligible file for their federal economic stimulus payments," said County Judge Doyle Hillis. "And their time is starting to run short. Those eligible only have until Oct. 15 to file the appropriate paperwork to receive their payment this year."

People who have tended not to file for the payments normally don't file federal tax returns because their income is too low or is not subject to federal income taxes. However, if they want to receive an economic stimulus payment in 2008, they must file Form 1040A by Oct. 15. Those eligible include people who receive at least $3,000 in earnings and/or benefits from Social Security, disability payments from the Veterans Administration, or a retired railroad worker's pension. For people who have no tax liability or no tax filing requirement, there is a minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples), plus $300 for each qualifying child.

If assistance is needed in filling out the paperwork, free help is available at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers. For a list of local centers and hours of operations, go to www.irs.gov., use the link "Contact IRS" and then click on "Contact your local office."