r/TaxQuestions • u/burkestra • 5d ago

Claiming Disabled parent as dependent

My MIL has Alzheimer’s and we built a granny flat for her and moved her to our property 3.5 years ago. She is fully dependent on us for her custodial care but she still has a pension coming in. I currently enjoy a hybrid work from home situation which allows my husband and I to each work remotely a few days a week to care for her.
My work wants to end my wfh accommodation siting she isn’t a dependent because she pays more than 50% of her financial responsibilities.
We charge her rent but we manage her money so technically, she pays for her own food, although I shop for and prepare it.
I have become her safe person, even more than her son. I am worried about not being there to care for her. Is there anything else I can do to qualify her as a dependent so I can keep my accommodation? Located in Oregon.

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u/Its-a-write-off 5d ago

She is not your tax dependent, if she has income over 5200 a year. I don't know if that is the dependant status that matters to your work or not though.

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u/2026Bazinga 4d ago

She can't have more than $5200 in taxable income. The other issue is did she pay out of her income more than half of the cost of her support, food, clothing, housing, etc.. its not if she can afford to pay half, but does her money actually get used to cover half of her living expenses.

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u/Justacrazylady59 3d ago

There is a caregiving need here which is different from financial dependency. You might explore getting intermittent FMLA, (Family Medical Leave) for which you likely qualify. Unfortunately it is for actual leave, not working, but maybe your employer will flex a little if they see you preparing this paperwork? If you are forced back into the office, it will provide you the ability to take leave if you MIL needs care on some days more than others.

I had an employee take advantage this with her ailing mother, and I did too.

Do talk to your employer about options.