Which parent claims child if unmarried but live together?

[edorando]

My girlfriend and I live together but are not married. If my girlfriend receives benefits from the state such as Medicaid. should she claim our child? Or is it based on whoever makes the higher income. Do any factors play a part in the child tax credit?

[xmasbaby0]

If all of you live together as a family, the child can only be entered on ONE of your tax returns--not on both.  The "sharing" of child-related credits you may have heard about is only between divorced or never married parents who live apart and share custody.  Prepare your tax returns both ways --with Mom or Dad claiming the child--- to see which way it comes out better.  If the higher earner claims the child they can also file as Head of Household.