Can Dependents Get Unemployment?

Reader Question: I am not independent for tax filing purposes. I am listed as a dependent on my father’s tax return. I used to have a job, which has not been possible since Corona hit. Am I eligible for unemployment?

Answer: Yes, you’re eligible for unemployment. You can be a dependent on someone else’s return and still get Unemployment. Read the eligibility section to confirm your eligibility.

Dependent and Stimulus
If you were a dependent on someone else’s 2019 tax return, that would make you ineligible to receive the $1200 stimulus check.  However, even if you were a dependent for 2019 taxes and therefore not eligible for the stimulus, if you become ‘independent’ in 2020, you will receive the $1200 stimulus check after you file your 2020 taxes. See more about the stimulus here.

Unemployment and Taxes
If you earned over $1,100 in unearned income (like Unemployment), you will need to file taxes for 2020 even if you are a dependent on someone else’s tax return. (Source).

Getting Taxes Refunded
Filing your 2020 taxes can be really beneficial! If you asked for taxes to be withheld when you applied for unemployment, you may receive a refund when you file your 2020 taxes. A single filer, for example, has an automatic federal deduction of $12,400 – basically you don’t pay federal taxes on the first $12,400 of earnings. So, if you already had federal taxes withheld, you can get a refund when you file. For state taxes, each state is different when it comes to unemployment and taxes, so check the details for your state.

As with everything else on this site, the above is not legal or financial (or tax) advice. You are responsible for your own due diligence.