I am usually a dependent but turn 26 at the end of the month, I have no income and need insurance soon. Can I file for medicaid even though I live at home?

[ouchbroccoli]

I am 25 turning 26 at the end of the month. My parents usually claim me as a dependent because I eat their food and I live at their house. I have no income, but recieve SSI payments. I have already received a letter from my parents insurance saying I am kicked off the day after I turn 26. From my understanding I am not legally a dependant and they can't claim I am. I am trying to file for medicaid so that I have insurance but have a lot of questions. I called my state (VA)'s office and the person on the line said my dad's income will be counted against me. My parents can and will not pay for my insurance. Can I claim I am not a dependent but just live with them? What are my options? I would never lie or make a false claim, I just want to know how I can qualify for medicaid and continue living qt my parents house. Thanks

[xmasbaby0]

This is a public user forum where we answer income tax questions.  We sympathize but have no answers for your situation.  Your age does not disqualify you from being your parents' dependent on their tax return, if that helps you at all.  

Here is the criteria for them to claim you as a dependent on their tax return.  That does not necessarily mean the same thing for Medicaid.  You have to deal with the state for that.  

WHO CAN I CLAIM AS A DEPENDENT?

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

Qualifying child

• They are related to you.

• They cannot be claimed as a dependent by someone else.

• They are a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or   Mexican resident.

• They are not filing a joint return with their spouse.

• They are under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).

• No age limit for permanently and totally disabled children

  •      They live with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply).

Qualifying relative

• They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).

• They cannot be claimed as a dependent by someone else.

• They are a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.

• They are not filing a joint return with their spouse.

• They lived with you the entire year.

• They made less than $4200  (not counting Social Security)

• You provided more than half of their financial support. More info

When you add someone as a dependent, we'll ask a series of questions to make sure you can claim them.

Related Information:

• Does a dependent have to live with me?

• What does "financially support another person" mean?

• Can I claim a newborn baby?

[xmasbaby0]

One other thing---people so often refer to "SSI" when they really mean Social Security--and they are not the same thing.  When you are having a discussion with anyone about possible benefits, insurance, etc. make sure you are talking about the right income and using the correct terminology.  Which do you have----SSI or Social Security?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AND SSI?

https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-over-ussi.htm