Most working people received $600 if they were single or $1,200 if they filed a joint return, "assuming they paid at least that much in federal income tax in 2007. To help people who earn little or nothing -- and might be more likely to spend their rebates -- Congress said that anyone who had at least $3,000 in income from a job, self-employment, Social Security and/or certain veterans benefits would get a flat rebate of $300 if single or $600 if married filing jointly, even if they don't owe income tax" (Pender 2008)