What must happen in cases where there is no surviving spouse for a child to receive death pension benefits?

The correct choice highlights that a child seeking death pension benefits in the absence of a surviving spouse must meet specific income and net worth limits. This requirement is crucial because the VA seeks to ensure that benefits are allocated based on need, and these financial thresholds help to determine eligibility for assistance.

When evaluating a child's claim for death pension benefits, the VA assesses their financial situation, which includes income from various sources and the overall net worth. This helps the VA distinguish between those who genuinely require assistance and those who may not. Meeting these separate income and net worth limits is a clear prerequisite for eligibility, particularly for children, as it establishes their financial need despite the absence of a surviving spouse.

Other options relate to different scenarios or requirements that do not align with the VA's specific regulations concerning children's eligibility for death pension benefits when no surviving spouse is present. For example, while a child might need to apply independently, doing so without meeting the financial criteria would not secure benefits, making income and net worth limits the key factor in this context.