While many of us have already received - and spent - our economic stimulus payments, more than 11,000 South Dakotans who are eligible for a $300 payment haven't filed tax forms and would need to do so in order to take advantage of the assistance.

Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., says there is still time to take advantage of the payment Congress passed earlier this year.

Many of the people who are eligible and most in need of an economic stimulus payment, such as seniors, veterans and disabled individuals, have not taken the steps they need to in order to receive a check, Johnson said.

Johnson urges people to do so before the Oct. 15 deadline.

"The IRS reports there are still millions of seniors, veterans, and disabled people that are eligible for a stimulus payment that have not filed the necessary form. With the rising costs of fuel, food, and other goods, this is money that they need and deserve. One of the goals of the stimulus bill was to reach those groups, I would hate for them to be excluded because they did not fill out a form," Johnson said in a news release.

There is no penalty for those who do not owe any taxes and file after April 15.

In February, the Senate approved an economic stimulus package that includes stimulus payments for 130 million Americans.

Most South Dakotans with at least $3,000 in qualifying income in 2007 - including Social Security benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance, or veterans disability payments - are eligible for a stimulus payment of at least $300. This payment does not affect eligibility for other benefits, such as Medicaid or food stamps, nor does it count as taxable income for next year's taxes.

If you have any questions about whether you or someone you know qualifies for a stimulus payment, the IRS can be reached toll-free at 1-866-234-2942 or visit www.irs.gov.

Reach Johnson's Rapid City office at 341-3990.