Two-child limit removed: how much more Universal Credit will I get?
From April 2026 the two-child limit was removed, so Universal Credit now includes a child element for every child you are responsible for, not just the first two. For families with a third or later child, that is roughly £3,650 a year extra per additional child in 2026/27 — though the separate benefit cap can still limit some out-of-work households.
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From April 2026 the two-child limit was removed, so Universal Credit now includes a child element for every child you are responsible for, not just the first two. For families with a third or later child, that is roughly £3,650 a year extra per additional child in 2026/27 — though the separate benefit cap can still limit some out-of-work households.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Written in plain English, checked against gov.uk · Information only, not legal advice
Two-child limit removed (April 2026): the essentials
- What changedThe two-child limit was removed from April 2026
- NowA child element is paid for every child, including the 3rd and beyond
- How much more≈ £303.94/mo (≈ £3,650/yr) per additional child, 2026/27
- Who benefitsFamilies with 3+ children on Universal Credit
- CaveatThe benefit cap may still limit some out-of-work families
What was the two-child limit and what has changed?
The two-child limit, introduced in 2017, meant most families could only get the Universal Credit child element for their first two children. Under the Universal Credit Act 2025, that restriction was removed from April 2026. Families can now receive the child element for every child they are responsible for, including third and subsequent children — money those families had previously been missing out on.
How much more Universal Credit could I get?
The main child element is worth around £303.94 a month in 2026/27 — roughly £3,650 a year — for each child it now covers. So a family with three children who previously got the element for two could gain about that amount for the third child, and more for each additional child. The exact increase depends on your circumstances and how your full award is calculated, but for larger families the change can be substantial.
Who benefits, and the benefit cap catch
The change helps families with three or more children on Universal Credit. One important catch: the separate benefit cap, which limits the total amount some out-of-work households can receive, still applies. That means an estimated 70,000 families who are capped may not see the full increase from the two-child limit being removed, because the extra child element pushes them against the cap. Working enough hours to be exempt from the cap, and claiming all the elements you qualify for, is worth checking.
What happens if you ignore it?
There is nothing you have to do to 'claim' the removal of the two-child limit if you are already on Universal Credit — it should be applied automatically for the children on your claim. But it is worth checking your statement to confirm you are getting a child element for every child, and making sure all your children are correctly listed on your claim. If you are not currently claiming because the old limit made it seem not worth it, it may now be worth checking your entitlement.
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Check a letter — freeFrequently asked questions
Do I need to apply for the two-child limit change?
No. If you are on Universal Credit it should apply automatically to the children on your claim from April 2026 — but check your statement lists a child element for every child.
How much is the Universal Credit child element in 2026/27?
Around £303.94 a month (about £3,650 a year) for each child it covers. With the two-child limit gone, that is now payable for third and later children too.
Will everyone with 3+ children get more?
Most will, but the benefit cap can limit some out-of-work families — around 70,000 capped households may not see the full increase.
Official sources & free help
For the full detail — and free, independent advice — see: