The DWP explained the timing varies according to each claimant’s monthly assessment period
Families receiving Universal Credit are set to see a change in their payments from next month.
From April 6, 2026, the cap on claiming assistance for more than two children was lifted, meaning households can now obtain the child element for every youngster in their care. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that while the amendment is already active, most claimants won’t see the rise straight away, with enhanced payments anticipated to begin landing from May or June.
The DWP explained the timing varies according to each claimant’s monthly assessment period, which dictates when Universal Credit is worked out and disbursed, reports the Daily Record.
What the policy shift means
Previously, most families could only obtain the child element of Universal Credit for their first two children, unless they met certain exemptions. This regulation, referred to as the ‘two-child limit’, has now been scrapped.
Consequently, families with three or more children can now obtain additional monthly assistance for each extra youngster, boosting their total Universal Credit entitlement. The amendment applies throughout the Universal Credit system, meaning both new and existing claimants can benefit.
How much extra you could receive
The child element of Universal Credit is currently valued at:
- £333.33 a month for a first child (born before April 6, 2017)
- £287.92 a month for each additional child
This means households will now be entitled to receive an additional £287.92 per month for each extra child who was previously excluded from their claim. Annually, this amounts to over £3,400 per child.
When the additional payments will arrive
While the policy amendment came into force from April 6, payments will only rise after a claimant completes their next full monthly assessment period.
This means:
- Some households will see higher payments from May
- Others will not receive the increase until June
DWP guidance confirms that the precise timing will differ depending on individual payment cycles.
What households need to do
There’s no requirement to submit a new claim or contact DWP, as the changes should be implemented automatically. However, claimants are encouraged to review their Universal Credit statements to verify the correct number of children are reflected in their award.
Further information on how the changes operate, including eligibility and payment timings, can be found on GOV.UK.
