In 1975, Congress approved a plan to offset the burden of Social Security taxes and provide an incentive for low- to moderate-income folks to work rather than go on welfare.

The program lives today as the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. The arcane name conceals something of great value. Last year, more than 24 million tax filers received nearly $50 billion in refundable tax credits.

In Missouri, 475,000 recipients received an average benefit of $2,017 — in either lower taxes or a cash rebate reflecting the difference. In Kansas, 188,000 recipients averaged $1,926.

But this news does not come without disappointment. For several years now, the government and partner agencies — AARP, the United Way and others concerned about the welfare of people on limited incomes — have sought to increase participation rates.

It generally is thought that as many as one-fourth of all eligible families and individuals fail to file for the credit. That translates to as many as 220,000 people in the two-state area and up to a half billion dollars in this region that could help families and stimulate local economies — but which goes unclaimed.

This omission has a ripple effect that can be devastating. Recently, officials in a Texas city along the Mexico border calculated it was missing out on hundreds of millions of dollars of income for the community and its working poor. This was occurring even while the social services safety net was strained to the breaking point, trying to help the same people.

Lack of knowledge about the tax credit is the No. 1 problem. Other issues include the fact you must file an income tax form to claim the credit, and the perception the process is difficult or not worth the effort.

This program helps to keep working people off welfare, but only to the degree they take advantage of it. If you are of modest means, be sure to ask your tax preparer or a trusted social service agency to explore this option with you.