The £293 Universal Credit Boost Per Child: What Families Need To Know About The Upcoming Two-Child Limit Scrap
The figure of £293 as a Universal Credit boost per child has recently dominated headlines, sparking hope and confusion for thousands of families across the UK. This specific amount is not a general increase for all children, but rather a direct reference to the financial support a family will receive for a *third or subsequent child* once a major, controversial policy is finally removed. This article, updated for December 2025, provides the latest, most accurate information on this significant change, including the confirmed date for the policy U-turn and the exact new Universal Credit rates for the 2025/2026 financial year.
The core of the £293 boost is the proposed scrapping of the two-child limit, a cap that has prevented families from claiming the Child Element of Universal Credit (UC) for any child born on or after 6 April 2017 if they already have two or more children. The removal of this cap is set to be one of the most substantial financial changes for larger, low-income families in a decade, promising a vital injection of funds into the household budget.
The Truth Behind the £293 Figure and the Two-Child Limit
The £293 figure is a crucial reference point for understanding the scale of the upcoming financial change. It represents the *higher* monthly rate of the Universal Credit Child Element, which is currently paid for the first child if they were born before 6 April 2017. For any child born after that date, the lower, standard rate applies (unless they are the third or subsequent child who is currently capped).
The official announcement confirming the removal of the two-child limit is the source of this "boost." The policy change, which has been a key political and social issue, is scheduled to take effect from April 2026.
What is the Two-Child Limit?
- The Policy: Introduced in 2017, the two-child limit restricts the Child Element of Universal Credit and Tax Credits to the first two children in a household.
- The Impact: This cap has been widely criticised by poverty campaigners for pushing larger families into deeper financial hardship. It has been estimated to affect hundreds of thousands of families.
- The Change: From April 2026, families with three or more children will be able to claim the Child Element for all of their dependent children, regardless of when they were born.
For a family with three children, the removal of the cap means they will receive an additional Child Element payment—the £293 boost—for their third child, instantly and significantly raising their monthly Universal Credit entitlement. This is a massive shift in the benefit system, providing a vital financial lifeline.
Universal Credit Child Element Rates: April 2025 – April 2026
To provide context for the £293 figure and ensure you have the most up-to-date information, it is essential to know the current and upcoming Universal Credit rates. Following the government's annual uprating, all Universal Credit elements will increase by 1.7% from April 2025.
The Child Element is split into two rates, based on the child's date of birth:
| Child Element Type | Monthly Rate (2024/2025) | New Monthly Rate (2025/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| First child born before 6 April 2017 (Higher Rate) | £290.00 (approx) | £294.93 (approx) |
| Any other child (Standard Rate) | £244.58 (approx) | £248.74 (approx) |
*Note: The official £293 figure is a rounded, headline number referring to the higher rate of the Child Element. The actual 2025/2026 rate will be approximately £294.93, confirming the magnitude of the boost.
Who Will Benefit from the Scrapping of the Cap?
The removal of the two-child limit will primarily benefit families with three or more children who are currently claiming Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit. The financial impact is not just a one-off payment; it represents a permanent increase in their monthly income.
The benefit is calculated as follows:
- For a third child: The family will receive the standard Child Element rate, which is approximately £248.74 per month (2025/2026 rate).
- For a fourth, fifth, or subsequent child: The family will receive an additional £248.74 per month for each child.
This substantial injection of funds is designed to alleviate the financial strain that the two-child policy has placed on large families, allowing them to better cover essential costs like food, clothing, and heating. The policy change is a direct response to the rising cost of living and the proven negative impact of the cap on child poverty statistics.
Topical Authority: Other Key Universal Credit Changes
While the £293 boost is the most significant change for large families, it is part of a wider set of reforms and upratings to the Universal Credit system that are coming into effect in 2025 and 2026. Understanding these related elements is key to grasping the full picture of your Universal Credit entitlement.
1. General Benefit Uprating (April 2025)
All standard allowances and elements of Universal Credit, including the Child Element, are increasing by 1.7% from April 2025. This annual uprating is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the previous September and is designed to ensure benefits keep pace with inflation.
2. Childcare Cost Reimbursements
The maximum amount of childcare costs that can be reclaimed through Universal Credit has also been increased. This is a crucial support for working parents. The maximum monthly reimbursement is now significantly higher, easing the pressure on those trying to balance work and family life. Claimants can receive up to 85% of their eligible childcare costs.
3. The Disabled Child Element
Families with a disabled child receive an additional element, which is also subject to the annual uprating. The rates for the Disabled Child Element for 2025/2026 are:
- Lower Rate: Approximately £158.76 per month.
- Higher Rate: Approximately £495.87 per month.
These extra payments are vital for covering the additional costs associated with raising a child with disabilities or a long-term health condition.
How to Prepare for the Financial Boost
While the full effect of the two-child limit removal won't be felt until April 2026, families should begin preparing now. The increase will be applied automatically, but ensuring your claim is fully up-to-date with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is essential.
Steps to take:
- Verify Child Details: Double-check that all your dependent children are correctly listed on your Universal Credit claim, including their dates of birth.
- Monitor DWP Announcements: Keep an eye on official DWP and government communications for precise details on how the change will be implemented and if any action is required from claimants.
- Use a Benefits Calculator: Use an independent online benefits calculator to estimate your new total monthly entitlement from April 2026. This can help with future financial planning.
- Seek Advice: If you are unsure about how the change will affect your specific circumstances, particularly if you are also receiving Child Tax Credits, seek free advice from organisations like Citizens Advice or Turn2us.
The £293 Universal Credit boost per child, framed by the removal of the two-child limit, marks a significant, positive turning point for low-income families with more than two children. By understanding the new rates and the implementation date of April 2026, you can be ready to receive this essential financial support.
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