Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted Jun 21, 2022 8:14:35 PM

Claiming my mother as a dependent if she does not live with me while also receiving SNAP benefits

Can my mom continue to receive SNAP food stamp benefits if I claim her as a dependent on my tax returns with the IRS and NYS?

 

  • My mom earned $3,300 so far this year and will not be working for the rest of the year.
  • We do not live together but I pay for all of her rent ($900/mo) on top of my own.
  • I give her allowance every week (about $120/week)
    • I support her by giving her $900 in cash for rent and $120 for personal use.

 

I know that in order to qualify for SNAP benefits, the applicant must not be claimed as a dependent in a household that earns a combined income that exceeds the low income threshold. But if my mom does not live with me and is claimed as a dependent on my tax returns, would I be considered as “part of the household” to the FNS and disqualify her from receiving SNAP benefits?

 

Lastly, how do I prove to the IRS that I supported my mother with more than half of her expenses if I gave her the money all in cash?

 

I would greatly appreciate your help guys, thank you!! 🙂

0 2 1330
2 Replies
Level 15
Jun 21, 2022 11:14:41 PM

why not pose the question to the USDA which provides the benefits. the SNAP benefits question is not related to income tax.    

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program 

since it is your mother

 and

since her income is less than $4300

and

assuming what you provide is over 1/2 of her total support support 

you qualify to claim her as a dependent.  the law does not require claiming a dependent for tax purposes

 

here's a worksheet from the IRS you can use to determine if you provide over 1/2 of her support

https://apps.irs.gov/app/vita/content/globalmedia/teacher/worksheet_for_determining_support_4012.pdf 

 

 

Level 15
Jun 22, 2022 5:18:37 AM

Q. Can my mom continue to receive SNAP food stamp benefits if I claim her as a dependent on my tax returns with the IRS and NYS?

A.  This is an income tax forum.  You're unlikely to get an answer to that question here.

 

Q. My mom receives SNAP food stamp benefits, and does not live with me,  can I claim her as a dependent on my tax returns.

A.  Yes. A closely related person does not have to live with you to be a dependent. SNAP food stamp benefits doesn't count as income, for the income test, but  does count as support not provided by you, for the support test.