Here's my take on it all... She meets all requirements as far as the EIC is concerned we got that part. Now as for the qualifying for HOH, the child does not have to be a dependent to qualify, but her income really doesnt factor in except in perception which is not in any of the rules. Yeah we know its impossible to support 3 children on just 7,000, but thats just the stated amount on paper she gets. Sure she's getting money from boyfriend, but he has no relationship to them except support so that knocks him out for claiming. The state may be giving assistance, but the state cant possibly claim the kids right? lol! Basically, the support she gets from the state is in her name. She has to qualify for it so it is through her that the support passes to the children. She is the provider of that support for them, thus she can file HOH. There's no max or min amt of income she must have to claim it. The law just says support by what ever means it comes from (legal) she is covered. Now that's just my rationale of the situation. Please chime in and let me know what you think everyone....
TG