As professionals who have frequent contact with children or dependent adults, mandatory reporters are trained to identify the signs that a child or and dependent adult may have suffered abuse or neglect.

In summary, dependant can be used for the noun in either British or American English, but dependent for either noun or adjective is a safe choice in American English.

DEPENDENT definition: relying on someone or something else for aid, support, etc. See examples of dependent used in a sentence.

DEPENDENT definition: 1. needing the support of something or someone in order to continue existing or operating: 2…. Learn more.

Jan 8, 2026 · A dependent is a qualifying child or relative who relies on you for financial support. To claim a dependent for tax credits or deductions, the dependent must meet specific requirements.

Dependent definition: As an adjective, dependent describes something that relies on something else, whereas as a noun, it refers to someone who relies on another, primarily for financial support.

The difference between dependent and dependant is merely a matter of preferred spelling. "Dependent" is the dominant form in American English for both the noun and adjective, while in British English, …

6 days ago · Dependent rules trip up taxpayers every year. Learn who qualifies in 2025, which credits apply and where documentation failures trigger IRS action.

Oct 24, 2024 · A dependent relies on someone else for financial support and can include children or other relatives. Taxpayers with one or more dependents may be eligible for certain tax credits.

To be dependent on something or someone means to need them in order to succeed or be able to survive.