My mother receives SSI, Can I claim her on my tax refund? I do pay for more than half of her expenses but I am afraid it may affect her SSI income.

[Marketstar]

You may be able to claim your mother as a Qualifying Relative dependent if:

• You provided more than half of her support in 2016
• She earned less than $4,050 in gross taxable income. (Social Security income generally doesn’t count here.)
•  She lives with you 365 days in the year or is related to you. 32
•  She isn’t a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
• She isn’t filing a tax return with a spouse (married filing jointly).
• She  is a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident

You can’t claim a dependent if you are a dependent on someone else’s taxes

See Rules For Claiming Dependents

Your claiming her as your dependent could affect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Consider consulting with the Social Security Administration before claiming her.

[Bhanks]

I had the same question.  But will it affect her SSI check?? 

[VolvoGirl]

We don't know that.  You or her will have to ask ssi if it will be affected.  

[DoninGA]

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@Bhanks wrote:

I had the same question.  But will it affect her SSI check?? 

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Your claiming her as your dependent could affect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Consider consulting with the Social Security Administration before claiming her.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes).

It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and. It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. SSI is not reported on a tax return.

Social Security Retirement/Disability/Survivors benefits are reported on a form SSA-1099 and the benefits received are reported on a federal tax return.