Time is running out to receive your economic stimulus payment. Most tax payers qualify, and many who do not regularly file a tax return also qualify. You qualify if you have a valid Social Security number, cannot be claimed as a dependent on somebody else's tax return and have either an income tax liability or "qualifying income" of at least $3,000, including some Social Security and VA benefits. Be sure to file a 2007 federal tax return by Oct. 15, 2008, even if you normally do not have to file a return.

The 2008 Veterans Day teacher resource guide is now available.  The guide includes information on the history and meaning of Veterans Day, youth volunteer opportunities, facts and figures, and a classroom activity guide.  There's even a coloring book, maze and word scramble game for kids. The guide, along with a Veterans Day poster, is being distributed on CD-ROM to principals at 118,000 schools nationwide.  To view or download your own copy of the guide, visit the Resources section of the Veterans Day Web site.

VA has awarded a $364.9 million construction contract -- the largest ever awarded by VA -- to build a new medical facility in Las Vegas by September 2011. The new full-service hospital, nursing home and additional structures will provide medical, surgical and mental health care, as well as ambulatory care facilities, pharmacy, laboratories, education, and diagnostic and treatment clinics on a 150-acre campus near Nellis Air Force Base.

The 2008 Edition of VA's Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents booklet is available for viewing on-line or for download in portable document format (PDF) at www.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.asp.

The booklet provides the rates for certain federal payments and outlines many programs and services provided by VA and other federal agencies. It also includes toll-free phone numbers, Internet addresses and a directory of VA facilities throughout the country.  (more)