Child pension

The graph below shows the development in the average monthly amount in child pension in the Nordic countries.

The data presented is adjusted with the purchasing power standard (purchasing power parity/Euro) to enhance the comparison of the average monthly benefits. Using the purchasing power standard, it is possible to compare values more directly than when using the national currency.

Since 2010, the size of the amount has remained relatively stable in countries like Norway and the Faroe Islands, whereas it has decreased slightly in Sweden. In Finland, Iceland, and Denmark, the average amount has increased continually throughout the years.

Child pension is granted to children under the age of 18 who have lost one or both parents. The child pension may also be granted as a supplementary pension if the deceased was a member of such a scheme.

A special child allowance is granted to children until the age of 18 years who have lost one or both parents. The child pension may also be granted by way of supplementary pensions if the deceased was a member of such a scheme.

In basic pension scheme child pension is payable until the age of 18 years and, if the child/young person is in full-time education, until the age of 21 years. The earnings-related orphan’s pension is paid until the child turns 20, and if there is no surviving spouse, the surviving spouse’s pension can be paid to the child(ren).

Child pension is payable until the age of 20 years if the child/young person is in education. A public authority grants a fixed amount to those providing for children, but the pension varies according to the labour market pension fund concerned. If both parents are deceased, the amount payable is doubled. The Employment Pension Fund also pays a child pension to the providers.

Child pension is payable until a child turns 18. If both parents are deceased and the child is in education, the pension may be payable until the child turns 20. The child pension for young people aged 18–20 in education or vocational training is payable in accordance with the Social Assistance Act. The child pension may also be granted by way of supplementary pensions if the deceased was a member of such a scheme. Children’s pension is payable until a child turns 20. This applies to children who have lost one parent, to orphaned children and to children whose parent’s death is due to occupational injury.  It is not required for the child to be in school or undertake any vocational training. 

Children who received children's pension at the start of 2024 will have their pension recalculated according to the new higher rates if this gives the child a higher payment. If a child received a pension because the parent’s death was due to an occupational injury prior to 2024, the child may still receive this pension until the age of 21 years.

The child pension is payable up to and including June of the year in which the child turns 20. It may also be granted by way of supplementary pensions if the deceased was a member of such a scheme.