SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is frequently confused with SSDI (Social Security Disability Income). SSI is welfare and is never taxable. SSDI is treated just like Social Security Retirement Income: i.e. it may become partially taxable only when added to your other income*.
If you have no other income, you do not need to file a tax return. Children's Social security payments are treated as their income, not yours. So, the same rule applies, if that is their only income they do not file a tax return.
Social security is not earned income and does not qualify you for the child based refundable credits (the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Credit). You still have no need to file a tax return.
* Social security only becomes taxable when added to sufficient other income. If you are otherwise required to file a tax return, you do need to enter it in Turbotax (TT). TT will determine the taxable portion.
Social security (including SSDI) becomes taxable when your income, including 1/2 your social security, reaches:
Married Filing Jointly(MFJ): $32,000
Single or head of household: $25,000
Married Filing Separately and lived with your spouse at any time during the tax year: $0
