Although the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 allows even childless senior citizens to claim maintenance from other relatives, Section 125 CrPC does not give such rights to childless senior citizens.

Maintenance after death

Last updated on Apr 8, 2022

The duty to maintain parents exists even after the death of your child or legal heir. Upon an application, the court may order that a portion of the child or legal heir’s wealth and assets be given to you, if you are old and infirm. The amount of maintenance in such cases will be calculated as per the rules of inheritance applicable after the death of your child or legal heir. The amount due to you will be decided by a court after considering a number of factors such as:

  • Full value of assets of the child or legal heir after paying off their debts including any income from their property,
  • Provisions of their will (if any),
  • Nature and closeness of the relationship with you,
  • Your needs and requirements (reasonably calculated), or
  • The number of people dependent on them for maintenance.

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Children taking care of Parents

Indian law requires all persons to maintain and support their parents - biological, step-parents as well as adoptive.

Claiming Maintenance from Tribunal for Senior Citizens

You can file an application in a Maintenance Tribunal under the Maintenance And Welfare Of Parents And Senior Citizens Act, 2007.

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