topic What type of backup is needed to claim a now disabled adult child on my taxes? in Deductions & credits

What type of backup is needed to claim a now disabled adult child on my taxes?

jonathansgibson — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:41:16 GMT

My son, 31 has suffered a sever TBI and physicals limitations is is disabled but has not been approved for SSI yet...how can I claim him still on my taxes as he lives with us and we provide his living expenses now and care for him.

Re: What type of backup is needed to claim a now disabled adult child on my taxes?

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 20:29:10 GMT

So sorry to hear about your son's health problems. Did your son have less than $4400 of income in 2022---not counting any Social Security? If so, you may be able to claim him as a qualified relative; you will get the $500 credit for other dependents if you claim him.

IRS interview to help determine who can be claimed:

https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/who-can-i-claim-as-a-dependent

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3113432-who-can-i-claim-as-my-dependent

CREDIT FOR OTHER DEPENDENTS

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4499708-what-is-the-500-credit-for-other-dependents-family-tax-credit

Re: What type of backup is needed to claim a now disabled adult child on my taxes?

Opus 17 — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 21:36:48 GMT

To claim your child as a dependent, he must be unable to perform gainful work, due to a condition that is permanent or will last at least one year. (The tax definition of disabled depends on the ability to do gainful work, that is, work for wages. Many people with medical disabilities are able to work and are not disabled for tax purposes.) He must also meet the income and support tests. It is possible, for example, that a child who became disabled in the middle of the year earned too much before their injury to be claimed a dependent this year, but they might be a dependent next year.

You are not required to submit proof of disability with your tax return, but keep records for at least 3 years in case of audit. In this case, proof could be a letter from his doctor, explaining the nature of the disability and that he is unable to work, and this is expected to last more than one year or be permanent. It would also be acceptable proof if the social security administration accepts his claim, but until then a doctor's letter should be enough.

Claiming a disabled adult as a dependent will get you a $500 credit for "other dependent." It will also allow you to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit, if the person is unable to care for themselves, and you hire someone to care for them so you can work.

Re: What type of backup is needed to claim a now disabled adult child on my taxes?

NCperson — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:12:16 GMT

@Opus 17 I believe a disabled child - regardless of age - also qualifies as a qualifying child" for EITC purposes as well as educational tax credits (AOTC and LLC).