Moneywise advice – Universal Credit child cap is changing

From now, April 2026, the rules about how many children you can receive Universal Credit for are changing. If you have not already told the Department for Work and Pensions about all the children in your household, then you should do so now to avoid missing out on benefits you’re entitled to.

Back in 2017 the then government capped the number of children that could be included in claims for benefits to, in most cases, two children. In the budget last Autumn, the current government decided to remove this cap. That means households with more than two children will be eligible to receive Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for all their children from April 2026.

It is important to make sure that the Department for Work and Pensions knows about all the children in your household, even if you don’t currently receive benefit for them. This will make sure you’ll be getting all the benefits you’re entitled to.

Do also consider that whilst Universal Credit will now pay benefit for all children in a household, the overall benefit cap isn’t increasing. This means that for some people although you will be entitled to more money, you won’t receive this increase because your total benefits are above the benefit cap level. There is more information about the benefit cap here.

We can help you with understanding exactly how the removal of the two child cap on Universal Credit will affect your family. Book an appointment with Moneywise by calling 0300 123 3399 or raising an enquiry through MyRaven.