Can I claim my cousin who receives social security disability? Will it affect them receiving a monthly check?

[SweetieJean]

Does cousin receive SSDI, or SSI?  Did he/she live with you all of 2018?

[ccvicr8671]

She receives SSI does not live with me but I do take care of her and paid for whatever she needed

[AlanT]

The short answer is: Yes it will affect your cousin receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  

The SSI program provides benefits to disabled people who don't qualify for regular disability benefits. The benefit amount is a flat $771 a month as of 2019, but SSI is a means-tested program. Your cousin's resources are limited to $2,000 if single, and $3,000 if married.

In addition, Social Security also limits monthly earned and unearned income. If receiving free lodging from a relative, for example, the agency will count the market value of that housing as income and offset her benefit accordingly. If you are claiming your cousin as a dependent and thus providing at least half of the support, your cousin may exceed the income guidelines for SSI.

[ccvicr8671]

Can I claim my cousin I have helped her with some expenses bit I don't what her to lose her check I know some people claim relatives that receive social security disability. What section do I go to claim her?

[SweetieJean]

No. A cousin must have lived with you all year to be a dependent.

[AlanT]

SSI and SSDI have different rules.  

[SweetieJean]

"I know some people claim relatives that receive social security disability."  They may be doing so illegally.

[ccvicr8671]

Ok thank you