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£293 Universal Credit Boost Per Child: 5 Key Facts About The Two-Child Limit Removal And Your Payments

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The "£293 Universal Credit boost per child" has become a significant talking point among UK families, representing a crucial financial lifeline for those with three or more children. As of today, December 19, 2025, this figure is directly associated with the confirmed policy change to scrap the controversial two-child limit, a move that will deliver substantial monthly payments to hundreds of thousands of the poorest households.

This long-awaited change, officially announced by the government, is set to fundamentally reshape the financial landscape for large families claiming Universal Credit. While the full implementation is scheduled for a future date, understanding the mechanics of this £293 Child Element is vital for planning your family’s finances and ensuring you receive the maximum support you are entitled to.

The Truth Behind the £293 Universal Credit Child Element

The figure of £293 per child is not a new, separate grant, but rather the approximate monthly value of the standard Child Element within the Universal Credit system. This is the amount that has historically been denied to third and subsequent children under the two-child limit policy, which came into force in April 2017. The upcoming removal of this limit is what generates the "boost" for affected families.

The policy's removal means that for every child beyond the first two, an eligible family will receive this full Child Element payment, significantly increasing their total monthly income. This change is a direct response to campaign efforts highlighting the link between the two-child limit and rising rates of child poverty across the UK.

Understanding the Current Universal Credit Child Element Rates (2024/2025)

To fully grasp the impact of the £293 boost, it is essential to know the current Child Element rates. The amount you receive for a child depends on when they were born, which is a key detail often overlooked.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uprates benefits annually in April. The following monthly rates are in effect from April 2024, and are the payments that will apply to third and subsequent children once the limit is removed:

  • For a first or second child born on or after 6 April 2017: Approximately £292.81 per month. (This is the rate most commonly rounded up to the "£293 boost").
  • For a first child born before 6 April 2017: Approximately £333.33 per month (this higher rate is protected for the oldest child in a claim).
  • Disabled Child Addition: Families may also receive an extra amount for a disabled child, which is paid at a lower rate (approx. £156.11) or a higher rate (approx. £487.89) per month, regardless of the two-child limit.

The removal of the two-child limit means that the standard rate of around £293 will be paid for every child in the household, provided they were previously excluded due to the cap. This is a crucial step in alleviating financial pressure on large, low-income households.

The Crucial Date: When the Two-Child Limit Officially Ends

The most important piece of information for families anticipating the £293 boost is the official timeline for the policy change. While the financial impact is substantial, it will not be immediate.

The UK Government has officially confirmed that the two-child limit on Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit will be removed starting from April 2026.

This means that families with a third or subsequent child will begin receiving the full Child Element payment (the £293 boost) for those children from the start of the 2026/2027 tax year. This date applies to all children born on or after 6 April 2017 who were previously excluded from the benefit calculation.

Who Will Benefit Most From the Policy Change?

The removal of the two-child limit is expected to be one of the most significant anti-poverty measures in recent years, providing a major financial boost to the most vulnerable families. The key groups set to benefit include:

  • Families with Three or More Children: Any family currently restricted by the limit will see their monthly Universal Credit payment increase by approximately £293 for each additional child.
  • Working Families: The majority of families affected by the two-child limit are in work, meaning this boost will act as a significant in-work benefit, making employment more financially rewarding.
  • Families with Younger Children: The policy primarily affects children born after April 6, 2017. As more children are born under the current rules, the number of affected households has steadily grown.

It is estimated that this change will lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty and provide a much-needed injection of cash to help families manage the ongoing cost of living crisis.

5 Key Universal Credit Changes You Must Know for 2025/2026

While the removal of the two-child limit in April 2026 is the biggest news, it is part of a broader set of changes to the UK's social security system. Staying informed about these related updates is crucial for maximising your entitlement and topical authority on the subject.

  1. Annual Benefit Uprating (April 2025): All Universal Credit elements, including the Child Element, will see an annual increase in April 2025, in line with the previous September’s inflation figure (CPI). This means the £293 figure will actually be slightly higher by the time the limit is removed in 2026, as it will have been uprated twice since 2024.
  2. Childcare Costs Element Expansion: The maximum amount that can be claimed back for childcare costs under Universal Credit has been significantly increased. For the 2025/2026 period, the maximum monthly claim is approximately £1,031.68 for one child and £1,768.94 for two or more children. This is a massive boost for working parents.
  3. The End of Transitional SDP Element: For claimants moving from legacy benefits, the transitional Severe Disability Premium (SDP) element is a critical component. Keep an eye on DWP guidance for how this element may be affected by the ongoing managed migration to Universal Credit.
  4. The Benefit Cap Remains: While the two-child limit is being removed, the overall Benefit Cap—which limits the total amount of benefit a household can receive—remains in place. Families receiving the £293 boost should be aware that the cap could still restrict their total payment, although the cap thresholds are also subject to review and uprating.
  5. No Automatic Reassessment: When the two-child limit is removed in April 2026, families will need to ensure the DWP is aware of all their children. While the system should update automatically for existing claimants, it is always best practice to check your online journal or contact the DWP to confirm the additional Child Elements have been applied correctly from the effective date.

In summary, the £293 Universal Credit boost is not a myth but a real, confirmed financial change tied to the end of the two-child limit. The key to accessing this money is patience and preparation for the April 2026 implementation date, ensuring you are aware of the current Child Element rates and the broader changes to the Universal Credit system.

£293 Universal Credit Boost Per Child: 5 Key Facts About the Two-Child Limit Removal and Your Payments
293 universal credit boost per child
293 universal credit boost per child

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