Universal Credit: two-child limit lifted from 6 April 2026 – what the DWP guidance says

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published guidance on GOV.UK for people receiving Universal Credit who have more than two children. The page was last updated in 2026. It describes the rules that applied until April 2026 and the change that came into force on 6 April 2026.

What has changed

The two-child limit in Universal Credit was lifted on 6 April 2026. According to the DWP, the child element is now paid for every child, regardless of the number of children in the family.

Higher payments are expected to appear from May or June, depending on the dates of your monthly assessment period. The DWP recommends checking the statement in your Universal Credit account.

Previously, the child element was only payable for the first and second child, unless an exception applied. The element for a third and any further child born on or after 6 April 2017 was not paid.

The benefit cap still applies

The rules on the benefit cap have not changed. The additional amounts for children count towards this cap. If your total benefits exceed the thresholds that apply to your situation, the increase in Universal Credit may be limited.

New claims and exceptions

Universal Credit accepts new claims from families regardless of the number of children. With a new claim, the child element is paid for all children born before 6 April 2017. Exceptions from earlier benefits (Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance) still apply, as long as the conditions are still met.

The guidance also describes the former exceptions, including multiple births, adoption and care of a child by relatives or friends (formal or informal). People who care for a child in such an arrangement may be entitled to the element.

Separately, the DWP reminds parents that they are entitled to the element for a child with a disability and to help with childcare costs, even if they do not receive the element for all their children.

What this means for you

The rules apply to everyone who is entitled to Universal Credit, including families with three or more children. The guidance does not describe the rules on residence status or entitlement to benefits. These need to be checked separately. It is worth looking at your Universal Credit account to see whether the amount has changed from May or June 2026. Remember that the benefit cap may limit the increase in payments.