Dependent

A dependent is a person who is fully or partially supported financially by another person and does not have sufficient independent income to cover their own expenses.
Most often this refers to children, incapacitated relatives or people who are temporarily unable to work.

What the term "dependent" means

The status of a dependent means that a person relies on the financial support of another — this may be a parent, spouse, guardian or another family member.

Most commonly, the following are considered dependents:

  • minor children;
  • full-time students;
  • people with disabilities;
  • elderly relatives with insufficient pension income;
  • family members who are temporarily unable to work.

Where the term "dependent" is used

The term frequently appears in legal, social and financial contexts:

  • when applying for tax deductions — the number of dependents reduces the tax burden;
  • in social benefits — the state considers the number of dependents when assigning benefits;
  • in lending — banks assess the borrower's financial load, taking into account the people they support;
  • in employment relations — when determining available benefits or compensations;
  • in family law — when establishing maintenance obligations.

Thus, dependent status affects financial calculations, benefit rules and the level of social support for a family.

Usage example

For example, if only one parent in a family works and the other cares for two children, the children are dependents, and the family is entitled to:

  • tax benefits,
  • increased benefit amounts,
  • consideration of dependents when calculating credit load.

Another example: a full-time student living at the expense of their parents is also considered a dependent.

How dependent status affects calculations

The presence of dependents may reduce taxes, increase social benefits or change credit-related calculations.

To accurately calculate your financial indicators (such as available income or tax base), you can use the financial calculators on this website, which take the number of dependents into account.