To be your qualifying child for EITC, a child must have a valid Social Security Number and pass all the age, relationship, residency and joint return tests. Your child must be your son, daughter, adopted child, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, half sister or a descendent of any of them.
Age Test for Qualifying Child with a Disability. There is no age limit and the child does not have to be younger than you if the qualifying child is permanently and totally disabled. Your qualifying child is permanently and totally disabled if both of the following apply:
He or she cannot engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a physical or mental condition.
A doctor determines the condition has lasted or can be expected to last continuously for at least a year or can lead to death.
If the qualifying child receives disability benefits, you can still use the child for EITC purposes. Read more about the additional tests for a qualifying child here.
Proof of Permanently and Totally Disabled. To prove your claim of EITC for a child who is permanently and totally disabled, you need a letter from the child’s doctor, other healthcare provider or any social service program or agency verifying the child is permanently and totally disabled.
Sheltered Employment. A child working for minimal pay under a special program for people with disabilities is not engaged in a “substantial gainful activity” under the definition of permanently and totally disabled. Work for minimal pay offered to people with physical or mental disabilities or sheltered employment must be offered by qualified locations. Qualified locations are:
Sheltered workshops,
Hospitals and similar institutions,
Homebound programs, and
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sponsored homes.