Hi I have been taking care of my mother for a year and half, and the only income she received is her social security check for 610.00 a month which is more that what the say is the max (3500 yr) for me to claim her. Is here social security considered her earned income? Thanks for any input you can give me.

You can claim your parent as dependent (qualifying relative) if
1. You provided more than half of their support that more than $610 plus other support provided by her, and
2. the parent did not earn more than $3,500 in 2008. SS benefit is not income if she has no other income.
It is not required that the parent live with you. Read about Qualifying Relative: : Your U.S. Tax Return: Requirements for claiming a dependent (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/03/requirements-for-claiming-dependent.html)