There is no standard cost to support a child but there is a method for calculating it. Here is an IRS worksheet you can use to see if you provide more than half of your grandchildren's support. Click here to view the worksheet: Worksheet
for Dependent Support.
The government benefits they receive through your daughter do count towards the support that others provide. See the bottom of the worksheet Line 23 "Enter the amount others provided for the person’s support. Include amounts provided by state,
local, and other welfare societies or agencies."
Here are some guidelines to see if you otherwise qualify:
You can claim a child, relative, friend, fiance (etc.) as a
dependent on your 2017 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:
Qualifying child
- They are related to you.
- They aren't claimed as a
dependent by someone else.
- They are a U.S. citizen,
resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
- They aren’t filing a joint
return with their spouse.
- They are under the age of 19
(or 24 for full-time students).
- No age limit for permanently
and totally disabled children.
- They live with you for more
than half the year (exceptions apply).
