Hello. In March of 2026, the Social Security Administration determined that I was permanently disabled as of September 2024. Am I able to claim a disability tax credit?

[lisadtuggle]

I did not receive any disability payments in 2024 or 2025; rather, in March 2026, I received a lump sum payment to cover Feb 2025 through Feb 2026. I would like to claim a tax credit for Elderly and Disabled persons. Can I claim this credit? If so, how?

[rjs]

Hardly anyone qualifies for the Credit for the Elderly or Disabled. You can only qualify if your income is below certain limits, and there is a limit on nontaxable income, including the nontaxable portion of Social Security benefits. The income limits were established in 1983 and have never been adjusted for inflation, so they are very low by today's standards. In most cases Social Security income alone, including Social Security disability income, is enough to put you over the income limit. TurboTax will calculate whether or not you qualify, but you must first enter all of your income.

If you want to try to get the credit, go to Federal Taxes > Deductions & Credits > Other Deductions and Credits > Elderly or Disabled Credit.

[rjs]

You can use the tool at the following link on the IRS website to see if you qualify for the credit.

Do I qualify for the credit for the elderly or disabled?