Social Security Survivors and Caregivers

[fklpsru271]

Three of my children receive Survivor Benefits from their late father, and I receive caregiver benefits for them. My partner (unmarried) and I have a 1-year-old child together and live with all the children in the same household. I don't work outside the home, as I serve as the kids' payee for their Survivor Benefits and receive the caregiver benefits in my name.

My question is: Can my partner, who is the only one earning a traditional income and receiving a W-2, claim all the children on his taxes? Or would that impact my caregiver benefits for the kids?

I understand that if I were to work and earn over $19,000 annually, I would lose the caregiver benefits. Since I haven't worked outside the home since I was 21 (before having any children), it makes more sense for me to stay home, care for the kids, and retain the caregiver benefits. If I worked, I would likely earn less, lose the benefits, and also have to cover daycare costs, which wouldn't be financially feasible.

Currently, the kids' Survivor Benefits, along with my caregiver benefits, help cover our household expenses. We wouldn't be able to manage the bills on my partner's current income alone, though he is in training for a much better-paying job.

 

[AmyC]

1. Maybe. He will not be able to claim them as dependents since they are not related to him. He may be able to claim them as other dependents, if the rules are met. See the IRS table here. The children do have income supporting them so that must be factored into all of this.  See also  IRS Worksheet for Determining Support.

2. Your caregiver benefits are important. Having someone else claim the kids will affect SNAP and any other things affected by household size and income. Caregiver benefits laws vary widely throughout the states so you should check with your social services representative.