Two-Child Limit Scrapped: UC Gain and Benefit Cap Checker
How much more Universal Credit you get now the two-child limit has gone (from 6 April 2026), and whether the frozen benefit cap takes some or all of it.
Since 6 April 2026 Universal Credit pays £303.94 a month for every child, with no two-child limit (£351.88 for a first child born before 6 April 2017). But the benefit cap stays at £1,835 a month (£2,110.25 in London), so a capped family can keep little or none of the extra.
Two-Child Limit Scrapped: UC Gain and Benefit Cap Checker
Frequently asked
When was the two-child limit scrapped?
The Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Act received Royal Assent on 18 March 2026, and the change took effect from 6 April 2026. Families already claiming Universal Credit had it applied automatically.
How much is the Universal Credit child element in 2026/27?
£303.94 a month for each child. If your first child was born before 6 April 2017 you get an extra £47.94 a month for that child, so £351.88.
Does the benefit cap stop me getting the extra child element?
It can. If your household is capped, Universal Credit is cut so that it plus Child Benefit and other capped benefits stays within £1,835 a month (£2,110.25 in Greater London). A capped family may keep only part of the new child element, or none of it.
How do I avoid the benefit cap?
You are exempt if your household takes home £881 a month or more from work, or if anyone gets an exempting benefit such as PIP, DLA, Carer's Allowance, Child Disability Payment, or Universal Credit for a health condition or for caring. People over State Pension age are also exempt.
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