{"id":19983,"date":"2024-05-20T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-20T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resource-center.hrblock.com\/"},"modified":"2025-01-08T18:13:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T00:13:25","slug":"claiming-a-disabled-dependent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrbcomlnp.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/filing\/dependents\/claiming-a-disabled-dependent\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I claim a disabled child tax credit for my disabled family member(s)?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Having a child or family member with a disability can add financial responsibilities. Between medical coverage, special education, and other disability-related supports, the cost of caring for someone with a disability can be substantially higher than a non-disabled person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s not a specific tax credit for disabled dependents. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has special rules when it comes to claiming dependency benefits for disabled family members. To start, there are two types of dependents, a Qualifying Child and a Qualifying Relative. To claim a disabled family member as a Qualifying Child, the person must meet the same tests to qualify as any other dependent. However, if they are permanently and totally disabled, the age requirement doesn\u2019t apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And while there is no tax credit specific to disabled dependents, there are tax benefits that can help alleviate the financial burden by offsetting one’s taxable income. You can claim tax credits and deductions on your tax return if you meet the eligibility requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat qualifies as a disabled dependent?\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, let\u2019s outline how the IRS classifies dependents. There two types of dependents: a Qualifying Child and a Qualifying Relative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rules for a Qualifying Child<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To claim a disabled family member as a Qualifying Child, the person must meet the same tests to qualify as any other child. However, if they are permanently and totally disabled, the age requirement doesn\u2019t apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rules for a Qualifying Relative<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To claim your family member as a Qualifying Relative, you must have provided more than one half of their support for the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read the full guidelines for claiming dependents on taxes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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File with H&R Block to get your max refund<\/h3>
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File online<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
File with a tax pro<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Disability and dependents: IRS rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you consider your family\u2019s tax situation, you may wonder, \u201cCan I claim my disabled child as a dependent?\u201d It\u2019s a good, but somewhat complicated question as parents of disabled dependents have many tax nuances to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When claiming a disabled child on your tax return, the disabled person must meet specific eligibility requirements. In fact, the IRS deems a permanent and total disability to be if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n