Legal Definitions - lawful dependent

A lawful dependent refers to an individual who relies on another person for financial support and is legally recognized as doing so. This recognition is typically based on specific criteria outlined in statutes or regulations, and it often determines eligibility for various benefits, such as insurance coverage, tax deductions, or government assistance. The relationship usually involves a significant degree of financial reliance where the dependent would struggle to meet their basic needs without the support of the other individual.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a lawful dependent:

• Example 1: A Minor Child

  A single parent, Sarah, works full-time to support her eight-year-old daughter, Emily. Emily lives with Sarah, attends school, and relies entirely on Sarah for food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.

  How it illustrates the term: Emily is a lawful dependent of Sarah. Laws universally recognize minor children as dependents of their parents, granting them eligibility for inclusion on health insurance policies, qualifying them for child tax credits, and establishing a legal basis for child support obligations if the parents separate.

• Example 2: A Non-Working Spouse

  Mark is a retired veteran whose pension and savings provide the sole income for his household. His wife, Lisa, has a chronic illness that prevents her from working, and she relies completely on Mark's financial resources for all her living expenses and medical needs.

  How it illustrates the term: Lisa is a lawful dependent of Mark. For purposes of certain government benefits, such as survivor benefits from Mark's pension or eligibility for specific healthcare programs, Lisa's financial reliance on Mark establishes her status as his lawful dependent.

• Example 3: An Elderly Parent

  David provides more than half of the financial support for his 75-year-old mother, Maria, who lives in her own home but has very limited income from Social Security. David pays for her groceries, utilities, and contributes significantly to her medical expenses.

  How it illustrates the term: Maria can be considered a lawful dependent of David for certain purposes, such as tax deductions. If Maria meets specific IRS criteria regarding her gross income and David provides over half of her total support, David can claim her as a dependent on his income tax return, demonstrating a legally recognized financial dependency.