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When someone dies: children's pension and adjustment allowance for survivors

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Translated: translated from the Norwegian original with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is the authoritative one. See the Norwegian original →

Children under 20 who have lost one or both parents can get a children's pension. A surviving spouse or cohabitant can get an adjustment allowance for up to three years. Rates, conditions and why you should apply early.

Norwegian original last checked against official sources: 16 October 2026. Rules and figures change, so always check the official site before you act.

When someone in the family dies, there is a lot to take in. Money may feel unimportant, but it is wise to apply early, because NAV has limits on how far back it pays. This guide covers the children's pension (barnepensjon) and the adjustment allowance (omstillingsstønad). Help with the funeral itself is covered in funeral grant.

Children's pension

According to NAV, you can get a children's pension if you are under 20 and have lost one or both parents. It does not matter whether the parents were married, divorced or cohabiting. As a rule, the deceased must have been a member of the National Insurance Scheme for the last five years before the death.

Rates from 1 May 2026:

• If you have lost one parent: NOK 136,549 a year (1 G).
• If you have lost both: NOK 307,235 a year (2.25 G).

Siblings each get their own amount. The children's pension is taxed at a flat 17 per cent.

You must apply: The children's pension is not automatic. If the child is under 18, the parent or guardian applies. If you are 18 or older, you apply yourself. NAV can pay back up to three years from the month it receives the application.

Be aware: If you receive disability benefit or work assessment allowance before you turn 20, the children's pension is deducted krone for krone. NAV recommends applying anyway.

Adjustment allowance

The adjustment allowance is for a surviving spouse, cohabitant or former spouse. According to NAV, you may be entitled if, among other things,

• you were married for at least five years, had children together, or have at least half of the care of a child under 18,
• you were cohabitants with children together, or cohabited for more than five years and were previously married to each other.

Separation counts as being married here. You cannot get the allowance after turning 67.

Amount: The full allowance is 2.25 G, NOK 307,235 a year (NOK 25,603 a month) before tax. It is reduced by 45 per cent of your income above half the basic amount.

Duration: Usually up to three years from the month after the death. It can be extended by up to two years if you need education or work-related measures.

Activity requirement: After six months, you must as a rule be in work or work-related activity at least 50 per cent. There are exceptions, for example when you have a child under one or are ill.

Apply as soon as you can: According to NAV, it usually only pays back for three months.

Tip: NAV can help you fill in the applications. Also talk to the public health nurse or the school about the children's need for support in their grief. See also parental responsibility when a parent dies.

Sources

• NAV. Children's pension (Norwegian)
• NAV. Adjustment allowance (Norwegian)

Kontaktpunkt24 gives general information, not legal advice. If you need help with your own case, contact a lawyer, a legal aid service, or the relevant authority.

This page is translated from Norwegian with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is always the authoritative one.