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will claiming SSI recipient as a dependent effect their benefit?

Sent to Tax Experts April 15 02:11 PM

Would claiming a SSI recipient as a dependent impact his SSI benefit? I seem to recall that the amount of SSI benefit had to do with what wether he was expected to pay for all expenses or not (i.e room and board cost, food cost, etc.). The amount SSI (about $500 a month) does not come close to covering the 50% of his true cost of living and expenses which is what IRS asks as a test to see if he can be calimed, but I am not sure if that matters to Social Security Office and wether they will adjust the benefit based of partial expense being covered if he is claimed.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
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April 15 2:19 PM (7 minutes and 15 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

 SSI is not typically taxable income so it does not figure into the maximum wages allowed to claim a person as a dependent.

Claiming someone as a dependent will not affect that amount of SSI that they receive.

Let me know if you still have questions.

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Tammy F. -- Not an active Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 723 Tax Accepts
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April 15 4:47 PM (2 hours and 28 minutes and 32 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: As I said, when they were originally doing th einterview to determine the amount of SSI, SOC Sec rep was clear that "financial support" of any kind inclduing free room and board, food and others will be counted toward the calculating the amount of the benefit. By claiming a person on SSI, would we declare that we are supporting over 50% of his cost of living which in turn might change his status with Soc Sec office and cause them to adjust the benefit downward?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
April 15 5:11 PM (23 minutes and 23 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

 SSI income is not typically determined by the amount of your bills.  It is, instead, a percentage that is based on estimated calculations.

Claiming the person as a dependent should not change his income.

 

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Tammy F. -- Not an active Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 723 Tax Accepts
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