Universal Credit rules are changing

Families with three or more children could be better off.

An important change to Universal Credit (UC) came into effect earlier this month detailing that the two-child limit will be removed. This means all children in a household can be included in a Universal Credit claim. As a result, some families with three or more children may:

• Become eligible for Universal Credit for the first time, or
• Receive a higher Universal Credit payment if they already claim.

Who might be affected?

This change could benefit:

• Working families with three or more children who earn too much to qualify under the old rules.
• Families already on Universal Credit who were previously not paid for all of their children.

Households with higher incomes than before may now qualify since the extra child elements increase the maximum amount a family can receive.

What if you already receive Universal Credit?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will write to claimants who may be entitled to extra money. However:

• If the benefit cap applies to your claim, you might not see an increase unless you qualify for an exemption.
• If you haven’t previously told the DWP about all the children in your household, you should update your claim as soon as possible.

Check if you could be entitled:

You can check whether you might be better off by using an online benefits calculator:

• Entitledto benefits calculator
• Turn2us benefits calculator

Claiming Universal Credit can also unlock other support, such as free school meals and help with health and childcare costs.

Need advice or support?

If you’re unsure how this change affects you, or you need help applying for benefits or updating your claim, please get in touch with our Money Matters team. They can offer guidance or help you access independent welfare advice.

Telephone: 0345 521 1993
Email: hello@54northhomes.co.uk

This change could make a real difference for larger families – it’s worth checking what you could be entitled to.