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The Daily Insight

Can you claim a parent as a dependent who receives Social Security?

Author

Henry Morales

Published Mar 31, 2026

To qualify as a dependent, Your parent must not have earned or received more than the gross income test limit for the tax year. Generally, you do not count Social Security income, but there are exceptions. If your parent has other income from interest or dividends, a portion of the Social Security may also be taxable.

Can I claim my dad if he gets Social Security?

You can claim a parent as a dependent if you provided at least half of his support during the year. The parent’s income may not exceed $4,150 as of 2018; this amount does not include any Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits he is receiving.

Does Social Security count as income for dependent?

Since $25,000 is a high income threshold to meet for someone claimed as a dependent, a dependent’s Social Security income will usually not be taxable and therefore not counted toward the tax filing threshold or included in the household’s MAGI.

Can You claim your parent’s social security as a dependent?

Generally, you do not count Social Security income, but there are exceptions. If your parent has other income from interest or dividends, a portion of the Social Security may also be taxable. You must have provided more than half of your parent’s support during the tax year in order to claim them as a dependent.

Can a parent file a joint tax return as a dependent?

If your parent files a joint tax return solely to get a refund, you can claim him or her as a dependent. Your parent must not have a gross income of $4,050 (in 2017) a year or more.

Can a foster parent be claimed as a dependent?

The person you are claiming as a dependent must be related to you. This shouldn’t be a problem if you are claiming a parent (in-laws and stepparents are also allowed). Keep in mind, however, that foster parents do not count as a relative. To claim a foster parent, he or she must live with you for a year as a member of your household.

What is the income limit for a dependent on social security?

The IRS also limits the taxable income level of dependents. That income cannot exceed $4,050 for 2017 tax returns unless you are a qualifying child. A percentage of Social Security benefits may be counted as taxable income, depending on such factors as filing status and income level.