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New Member
posted Jan 20, 2026 11:35:10 AM

Does Type 1 Diabetes qualify as a disability for my dependent?

My daughter is 10 and has type 1 diabetes, should i mark her as disabled?

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2 Replies
Level 15
Jan 20, 2026 11:38:01 AM

Do I get a credit or deduction if my child is disabled?

 

If your child is older than 12 and you need to pay someone to take care of him while you work, you can say he is disabled and you can still get the childcare credit on your federal return.   Or if he is 19 or older you may still be able to claim him as a qualifying child dependent on your federal return.

 

Aside from those things, there is no federal tax advantage to saying that your child is disabled.   Your state tax laws might be different.

 

 

 

Of course, you can enter medical expenses for your child under medical expenses in Deductions and Credits if you are itemizing deductions.

Level 15
Jan 20, 2026 11:42:05 AM

For tax purposes, "disabled" means unable to perform gainful work.  Many people with medical disabilities can work, and are not disabled for tax purposes.

 

Specifically for children, "disabled" also means unable to care for themselves, so that you need to hire a caregiver even if they are over the age of 12.  

 

Otherwise, no, she is not disabled for tax purposes.