These cookies allow us measure how visitors use our website, which pages are popular, and what our traffic sources are. This helps us improve how our website works and make it easier for all visitors to find what they are looking for. The information is aggregated and anonymous, and cannot be used to identify you. If you do not allow these cookies, we will be unable to use your visits to our website to help make improvements.


17 March 2017

New regulations - 2 child limit policy Universal Credit

New Universal Credit regulations have been laid to introduce the policy of restricting support in UC to 2 children. For new claims to Universal Credit from April 2017, the child element will only be included for up to 2 children. It will not be included for third or subsequent children unless an exception applies. 

Between April 2017 and October 2018, anyone wishing to make a new claim for Universal Credit who already has more than 2 children will be directed to claim tax credits instead of UC.

The change will be introduced to UC  from 6 April 2017. You can read more about it in our section on policy changes.

We are in the process of producing more detailed guidance which will be available shortly. 

SI.376/2017 is available via the legislation.gov.uk website