Should I claim my elderly disabled mother as a dependent, file jointly or something else? She moved in in March and receives ss. Best option?

[xmasbaby0]

You cannot file a joint return with a parent.   A joint return is only filed with a legal spouse.   Your mom might be your "qualified relative" dependent for whom you can get the non-refundable $500 credit for other dependents, and perhaps Head of Household filing status.

IRS interview to help determine who can be claimed:

https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/who-can-i-claim-as-a-dependent

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 (exceptions apply).
• They made less than $5200 in 2025 (not counting Social Security)
• 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.

  Related Information:

  • What does "financially support another person" mean?
  • What is a "qualifying person" for Head of Household?