GI Bill use by dependent

[lauren-tietje]

Our son is 19 and in college full time. His tuition and related expenses (food, lodging, etc) are paid for with my husband's GI bill.  Can we claim him as a dependent and get the associated dependent deduction/credit?

Thanks!

[Bsch4477 · Accepted solution]

Yes, he is your dependent since the GI Bill income is considered support by your husband.

[gatusae]

This is incorrect.

[svanbebber]

Why is this incorrect?

[Phil]

Followup.  Since the 911 GI bill is given to the child and no longer the possession of the parent, are you sure this is still considered support by the parent and not more considered their income/benefit?

[Phil]

Do you have more info on your answer?  Thanks.

[Bsch4477]

If the GI Bill payments are made to the father with the father’s social security number then the student is not paying for his support. If the benefits are, in fact, paid to the student with his SSN and the student provides more than half of his own support including room and board then the student is not a dependent.