Can I Claim My Grandchild as a Dependent?

Yes — a grandchild can be claimed as your dependent as a "qualifying child" if they live with you for more than half the year, are under age 19 (or under 24 if a full-time student), don't provide more than half their own support, and don't file a joint return. If the child's parent also lives in your household and could claim the child, the parent has first priority — but if the parent chooses not to claim the child, you can. If the grandchild doesn't meet the qualifying child tests, they might still qualify as a "qualifying relative" with the income and support tests. Claiming a grandchild as a dependent may also make you eligible for the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit.