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Level 1
posted Feb 10, 2020 10:28:45 AM

Can I claim my girlfriend who recieves SNAP benefits?

My girlfriend lives with me, and is going to college. She works part time, but doesn't make over the $4050 limit, but she receives SNAP benefits. Even with her part time job, and SNAP benefits I still pay over half of her yearly expenses. My question is, can I claim her as a dependent since she doesn't include my income for her SNAP information?

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3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 10, 2020 10:53:18 AM

From what you've told me, you may be able to claim her.  However, to be sure, just enter her information in the program, and it will help you determine her status.

 

Welfare and food stamp benefits are not taxable and do not need to be reported on your tax return.

 

You can claim a child, relative, friend, or fiancé (etc.) as a dependent on your 2019 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:

Qualifying child

  • They're related to you.
  • They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
  • They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
  • They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
  • They're under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).
    • No age limit for permanently and totally disabled children.
  • They lived with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply).
  • They didn't provide more than half of their own support for the year.

Qualifying relative

  • They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
  • They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
  • They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
  • They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
  • They lived with you the entire year.
  • They made less than $4,200 in 2019.
  • You provided more than half of their financial support.

When you add someone as a dependent, we'll ask a series of questions to make sure you can claim them. There may be other tax benefits you can get when you claim a dependent.

 

[Edited 2/10/20 | 10:54am PST]

Level 1
Feb 10, 2020 11:57:20 AM

It says School, and medical falls under "financial support". If her medical insurance, and tuition is covered by the state, is that factored in to the 50%, or are those considered the same way that food stamps are? Thanks.

Level 15
Feb 10, 2020 12:02:09 PM