topic Disabled 20-year-old Dependent? in Deductions & credits

Disabled 20-year-old Dependent?

CassandraS — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:56:04 GMT

Our son will turn 20 at the end of February. He receives Social Security. Our son is currently in high school still through special education services. His public school district has him placed in an out-of-district placement, which is at a residential private school for children with Autism. He lives there year-round. We have Guardianship. Do we need to file taxes for him on his own behalf? Or are we able to claim him as a dependent this year?

Any guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Disabled 20-year-old Dependent?

PattiF — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:47:32 GMT

No, you do not need to file taxes for your son if his only income is Social Security.

You may be able to claim your son as a dependent this year on your taxes as a qualifying relative as long as you provided more than half of his support.

Here is a TurboTax Help article about Who can be claimed as a dependent with additional helpful links.

Re: Disabled 20-year-old Dependent?

CassandraS — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:00:34 GMT

Thank you!