Do I need to file taxes?

[Courbois3]

I am single and unemployed with one dependent. Do I have to file taxes this year at all to simply claim my personal medical disability ss benefits of $1834 + Snap Food Benefits ($23/mo) + Medicare with Medicaid with Kaiser Permanente Advantage Health Plan? No other income to speak of.

[carolineb]

Hi @Courbois3, 

Since Social Security Disability Insurance, SSI, or military disability pension benefits aren't considered earned income for purposes of the Earned Income Credit, and they are also non-taxable, there is no reason for you to file a federal tax return. However, some states such as California offer certain credits to families with low to no income, so it would be wise to check your state tax law to see if filing a state return would benefit you.