The end of the two-child limit
In the autumn 2025 budget, the Government announced that the two-child limit will be removed from April. This change could mean extra financial support for some families who claim Universal Credit (UC).
What’s changing
From April, if you have children, UC will include a child element for all your children, not just the first two. And if you pay for childcare for three or more children you’ll be able to get more help with childcare costs too.
What you need to do
If you already receive UC, you don’t need to do anything. Your UC will be changed to reflect the new rules automatically.
If you have three or more children, you might qualify for Universal Credit for the first time from April – but you’ll need to make a claim.
To find out if you might qualify, enter your details on a benefit checker like Entitled To or Turn2Us and when asked whether you qualify for an exemption to the two child limit, answer ‘yes’.
If the checker shows you’re entitled, you may qualify for UC from April.
The Benefit Cap
The Benefit Cap limits the total amount of benefits some households can receive. It’s currently £1,835 per month for couples and lone parents.
If you’re already subject to the cap, you’ll not receive any increase in your UC when the two-child limit ends. And if you’re not current affected by it, you could be once the rules change and your UC increases.
Who’s exempt?
You’re not affected by the Benefit Cap if you meet one of the following conditions:
- You receive UC because a health condition prevents you from working
- You receive UC because you care for someone with a disability
- You receive UC and you and your partner earn £846.56 or more per month combined, after tax and National Insurance (this will rise to £881.23 from April)
You may also be exempt if you, your partner, or a child under 18 living with you receives a number of other benefits.
More details of those and about a grace period of nine months if you’re affected can be found on the Government’s website
And to find out more about UC for families with more than two children, go to their Claiming benefits for two or more children page.
