From 6th April 2017 a two-child limit applies to Universal Credit.
The limit does not apply to Child Benefit or Pension Credit.
How it Works
You cannot have a Universal Credit Child Element for a third or subsequent child, born after 6th April 2017, unless an exception applies.
The exceptions to the two-child limit cover:
- Multiple births – the normal rules apply to the first child of a multiple birth; elements are allowed for all others.
- Adopted children.
- Non-parental caring arrangements – where you care for the child of a family member or friend.
- Children whose mother is under 16 and living with you.
- Children born as a result of rape.
- Children conceived during a coercive or controlling relationship.
The exceptions relating to rape, coercion and control only apply if you are not living with the other party.
The non-consensual conception exceptions apply if there has been a conviction or a criminal injuries compensation award for rape or coercive and controlling behaviour.
If there has been no conviction or award, you must get help from a sexual assault referral centre, specified rape charity, registered social worker or healthcare professional, to complete a form NCC1 to says that she believes that your circumstances are consistent with a non-consensual conception.
The two-child limit does not apply to bedroom-tax or Local Housing Allowance
When calculating your UC Housing Costs Element the DWP works out how many bedrooms your family need.
When they are doing this, all children in your household (except foster children) are counted.
The two child limit also applies in Housing Benefit calculations for working age claimants who do not get Universal Credit.