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Two Child Limit Exception

The Two Child Limit means that you can only get more Universal Credit for your third (or more) child if:

  • They were born before 6 April 2017, or
  • They are disabled (Disabled Child element only), or 
  • Special circumstances (exceptions) apply to your Universal Credit claim

Special circumstances (exceptions) apply for each third (or subsequent) child if:

  • You have adopted them or other children in your household
  • You receive Guardian’s Allowance for them or other children in your household
  • They are the second (or more) child born in a multiple birth
  • They or other children in your household are the child of one of your children who is under 16 years old
  • They or other children in your household are not your child or stepchild and you look after them under a Court Order 
  • They or other children in your household are not your child or stepchild and you look after them under an arrangement with Social Services (except for formal foster care)
  • They were conceived as a result of rape and you do not live with the perpetrator

For more details about the special circumstances in Universal Credit, see the Universal Credit and families with more than 2 children page of the gov.uk website or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

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