Friend without income lives with me for free. On Medicaid & gets food benefits. Can I claim him as dependent without jeopardizing benefits?

These are 2 very different situations, but this is what I believe, please call them to make sure before making any changes.

1) Yes, you can claim him as a dependent if no other individual can claim him, if you pay more than half of his living expenses and he makes less than $4k income, which you mentioned he doesn’t have income.

2) The question in regards to Medicaid for medical insurance, he should not lose that bc he has no income & no assets (I assume?)

3) However regarding SNAP, if all members in the household buy and share food then he will not be eligible for SNAP bc your income should have been considered. However If he only buys food for himself and not eat your food at all then he should not lose his SNAP benefits.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

I’m not sure but I’m thinking that maybe his SSI could take a bit hit if you claim him. Since he lives with you free they might look at it like an “in kind” help and look to take money away from him. Did he tell SSI about his living arrangement? Did he tell them he’s paying room and board so he could get the maximum amount? Would hate to see him lose money as I’m sure you would too. I’d ask but round about if you know what I mean. I wouldn’t say I’m giving him free rent because that might open up a real can of worms!

If he’s lived with you for at least 6 months, then he most likely qualifies as a dependent. He has no income and isn’t contributing to the household financially so clearly you are providing 50% or more of his financial support.

My nephew lived with my Mom. He has SSD, Medicare and Medicaid. Every year when he filled out his Medicaid forms there would be a form for food stamps. On the form it said that both people in the household needed to qualify for food stamps for him to receive them. Mom didn't qualify so he couldn't apply.

You would have to proof you pay over 50% for him with proof. Don't think food would count since he gets food stamps. But then because he lives with u does he qualify for food stamps. Because when he applied for FS and Medicaid, he has to list who else was in the household. Really tricky question.

I would say ur supporting him and should be able to claim him. If not, as head of household maybe? Maybe talk to a good CPA.

You need to check with your state's human services department to be sure. I think Medicaid is usually based on personal income, but SNAP may be based on household income. Maybe SNAP using household income is for family relationships and as long as you consider him a renter your income would not be considered?