Legal Definitions - dependent child

A dependent child is a young person who relies on their parents or guardians for support and care. This can be due to the death, absence, physical or mental incapacity, or unemployment of the parent or guardian. Examples of dependent children include:

• A child whose parent has passed away and is now being cared for by a grandparent or other family member
• A child whose parent is unable to provide for them due to a physical or mental disability
• A child whose parent is currently unemployed and unable to provide for them financially

Dependent children may be eligible for government assistance programs, such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), which provide financial support to families in need.