Universal Credit payments for more than 2 children before 6 April 2026

Universal Credit now pays the extra amount for every child, no matter how many children you have. 

The rules on the benefit cap stay the same. Additional Universal Credit payments for each child will count towards the benefit cap. This means that if your total benefits go over the benefit cap amounts for your circumstances, the increase in your Universal Credit may be limited.  

Before 6 April 2026, the extra amount for children only applied to your first and second child, unless an exception applied.

This guidance explains the rules and exceptions that apply if you had more than 2 children before April 2026.

You can get an extra Universal Credit amount for any child born before 6 April 2017.

When we refer to a ‘child’ in this guidance we mean a person: 

16 to 19 years old (up to and including 31 August following their 19th birthday, if they are in eligible education or training

Universal Credit will not pay you an additional amount for a third or subsequent child born on or after 6 April 2017, unless special circumstances, known as ‘exceptions’ apply.

For example, if you were already claiming Universal Credit, had responsibility for 2 children and you then give birth to a new child, you will not get an additional amount of Universal Credit for that new child, unless special circumstances apply.

You are still entitled to additional support in respect of any disabled children, even if you are not getting an additional child amount of Universal Credit for the disabled child.

You may still be entitled to help with childcare costs for any of your children, even if you do not get the additional child amount of Universal Credit for all your children.

Universal Credit will accept new claims from families regardless of how many children you have. If you’re making a new claim, Universal Credit will pay an additional amount for all children born before 6 April 2017.