I have recently retired and receive a small Social Security pension. I have qualified for Medicaid and Food Stamps in NC,
I live in a house that my daughter owns. I paid her each month until I retired and since then have not been able to do so. Recently we discovered that the rent, maintenance, and taxes on the house amounts to at least half of my income, so she would like to claim me as a dependent for tax purposes. I have no problem with this, but I am afraid that the state will add this to my income and disqualify me for benefits. Since she doesn't give me any money-only provides my shelter- wouldn't this be considered a "gift in kind" or would it penalize me?