Universal Credit two-child limit changes from April

The two-child limit affects how much some families receive through Universal Credit. Previously, families could usually only receive the child element of Universal Credit for their first two children. 

This meant that if you had three or more children, you might not have received additional support for the younger ones. From April 2026, this limit will be removed.

This means families may now be able to receive support for all children in their household who are included in their claim. The aim of the change is to better support low-income families and help reduce child poverty across the UK.

If you have more than two children and claim Universal Credit, you may see an increase in your payments from April onwards. For many households, this will happen automatically.

As long as your details are correct with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), any additional support you’re entitled to should be added to your claim.

That means you usually won’t need to reapply or complete extra forms.

Although the increase should be applied automatically, there is one important thing to check. Please make sure all children and dependants who live with you are included in your Universal Credit claim.

 If a child isn’t listed on your claim, they may not be included when your payments are calculated. You can check this by logging into your Universal Credit account and reviewing the details of your household.

If anything is missing or incorrect, you can update it through your online journal or contact the DWP for help. Keeping your information up to date helps make sure you receive the full support you’re entitled to.

We understand that benefits can sometimes feel complicated, and it’s not always easy to know what support is available.

If you’d like to check what you might be entitled to, you can use the free benefits calculator from MoneyHelper.

It’s a simple online tool that looks at your situation and shows the benefits you may be able to claim. Try out MoneyHelper's benefits calculator.

If you’d prefer to speak to someone, our Money Advice Team is here to support you.

They can help you:

• Check you’re receiving the right benefits
• Make sure your claim includes everyone in your household
• Look at ways to maximise your income
• Offer guidance if you’re worried about money
• You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

We’re here to listen and help you understand what support is available. Get in touch by emailing the team or contacting us through My Account.

The most important step is to make sure your Universal Credit claim is accurate and up to date.

If your details are correct with the Department for Work and Pensions and all dependants are included, any increase you’re entitled to from April 2026 should be added to your payments automatically.

If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always worth checking. We’re here to help and support you.