Who is a Dependent for Purposes of HSA? - Understanding Health Savings Accounts

When it comes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), understanding who qualifies as a dependent is crucial for maximizing the benefits of these accounts. A dependent, for purposes of HSA, is an individual who relies on you for financial support and meets certain criteria set by the IRS.

Dependents eligible for HSA coverage typically include:

• Children: Whether biological, adopted, stepchildren, or foster children under a certain age.
• Relatives: Such as parents, grandparents, siblings, or in-laws, who meet specific residence and support criteria.
• Other Dependent Individuals: Such as disabled individuals who are unable to support themselves financially and meet certain IRS qualifications.

It's important to note that not all dependents may be eligible for coverage under your HSA. To claim someone as a dependent for HSA purposes, you must ensure they meet the following criteria:

• They must be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien.
• They cannot file a joint tax return with someone else.
• They must not have provided more than half of their financial support during the year.
• They must be your qualifying child, parent, or meet the IRS
  

  When dealing with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), it’s vital to understand the definition of a dependent. Dependents are individuals who are financially supported by you, and the IRS has specified criteria to identify them.