Veterans laywers, an in-depth look, an in-depth exploration
Whether they live with you or not, your child will automatically be considered your financial dependent if you share any of the following relationships with them: • The child is your legitimate, natural child • The child is your legally adopted child • He or she is your natural but illegitimate child for whom a judge has issued a determination of support, or for whom you make regular financial contributions. If a court has not officially made a determination of support for a recognized natural child that does not live with you, you can show that child's financial dependency upon you by providing: • Paperwork showing that your child is qualifies as your dependant in other state and federal programs • Previous tax returns in which you claimed the child as a dependent • Bank records, cancelled checks, etc. , showing that you made regular payments on behalf of or in support of your child • Additional related proofs Financial dependability (and eligibility for social security benefits) of a stepchild, on the other hand, will only determined when that child lives with you and shares with you a parent and child relationship. As a guideline, your husband or wife's legitimate child, adopted child, or illegitimate child will be considered your step child. Even after divorcing your step child's natural parent (that is, your husband or wife) or after his or her death, the child will be considered financially dependent upon you and therefore eligible for benefits as long as he or she resides in your home and shares with you a child parent relationship.