Stimulus Check Eligibility - "CAN You be claimed as a dependent?"

okay, here is the issue.

Whether or not you parents claim you is immaterial. Per the IRS, that is their choice. 

the issue is CAN they claim you?  that is your responsibility to answer on YOUR tax return

they CAN claim you if they can pass these 4 tests (answer these tests from  their perspective) 

1. The person either (a) must be related to you or (b) must live with you all year as a member of your household.
2. The person's gross taxable income for the year must be less than $4,200 in 2019.
3. You must provide more than half of the person's total support for the year.
4. The person must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, U.S. national, or a resident of Canada or Mexico.

When you think about the 'support question', "support" means rent, food, utilities, clothing, medical, insurance, transportation (car payments, gas upkeep. etc.).  You could be making $1,000,000 but if they are paying all those things, then they are paying over half your support, even though you could afford to do so yourself! 

so if your parents could pass all 4 tests, then on your tax return you have to answer "yes, someone CAN claim me".   if any one test fails, no one can claim you  - don't check the box on the tax return and you would be eligible for the stimulus (assuming your income is below the thresh hold, you are an American citizen, etc)

does that help de-mystify the issue. 

here are the qualification from the IRS FAQ on who is eligible for the stimulus: 

A1.  You may be eligible to receive a Payment if you:

• Are a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien;
• Cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return;
• Have a Social Security number (SSN) that is valid for employment (valid SSN); and
• Exception: If either spouse is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the taxable year, then only one spouse needs to have a valid SSN
• Have adjusted gross income below an amount based on your filing status and the number of your qualifying children.