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Date posted: August 24, 2007

If I claim my grandmother as a dependent, where do I report her Social Security benefits?

I am currently caring for my elderly grandmother. She receives a small Social Security benefit monthly. It does not cover all of her expenses, such as medical, medication, food, and so on. If I claim her as a dependent, where do I claim her Social Security benefits? Or do I fill out a form for her separately?

— Submitted by Karen

You may be able to claim your grandmother as a dependent. The following conditions must be meet:

  • She must be a member of your household.
  • You must have contributed half of her support.
  • She must be a citizen of the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
  • She must have gross income that is less than the current personal exemption.

If you can answer yes to all of the above questions, you may claim an exemption for her.

Social Security benefits are treated as gross income only to the extent they are taxable. Also, even if your grandmother's income exceeds $3,050 and you can claim her as a dependent, you may claim head-of-household status (if you are unmarried), as long as you provide more than half her support.