As you may have heard, the government recently decided to remove the 2 child limit on claims for Universal Credit (UC).

This limit means that (in most cases) UC would be limited to a maximum of 2 dependent children in your award, even if you had more children.

This limit will be removed from 1 April 2026. If you have more then 2 dependent children, and at least one if younger than the age of 9, you should notice an increase in your UC payments after that date. However some people may not receive the full amount of the increase, as it may be affected by the Benefit Cap. The Benefit Cap limits the total amount of benefits you can receive to £1,835 per month (including Child Benefit, ESA and UC).

If you are affected by the Benefit Cap you may be able to claim extra help from Discretionary Housing Payments. Or you could be exempt from the Benefit Cap in certain circumstances, such as having health problems or caring duties.

If you have more than 2 children but do not currently receive UC, you may become entitled as a result of the removal of the 2 child limit.

If the Benefit Cap affects you or you want to claim for UC, please contact the following for advice :

Stephen Lawson, Money Advice Officer

0141 330 1487

slawson@partickha.org.uk and he can advise you.