Would claiming my 3-year-old sister as a dependent who receives social security benefits affect their benefits in any way? I provided for half of her expenses in 2018.

[mch5690]

My father is unable to provide for her since he is currently not working due to old age. 

[KittyM · Accepted solution]

If your sister qualifies to be your dependent, it will have no bearing on her Social Security benefits or on your father's old age Social Security benefits. 

You can claim a child as a dependent on your 2018 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:

• 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). 
• They live with you for more than half the year.

TurboTax will ask you a series of questions to be certain your sister qualifies as a dependent.

[mch5690]

Thank you for your response! What if she did not live with me? She lives with my dad but I send money every month for her expenses.

[SweetieJean]

You have to ask the Social Security Admin that.