Changes to benefits for children, families and young people

Benefit cap

See the document about the cap on our webpage Changes to benefits for people of working age

Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit

In addition to the following changes, Child Tax Credit is being replaced in stages by Universal Credit. For more details see Universal Credit.

• From 1 February 2019

Families with three or more children will not get an amount for a third or subsequent child born on or after 6 April 2017, unless an exemption applies. Before, then, they were directed to 'legacy benefits'. For more details see  Universal Credit.

• From 28 November 2018

Non-parental carers and adopters were added to the list of those who are fully exempt from the ‘two child limit’.

• From April 2017

Tax Credits was restricted to help for two children - unless they were born before 6 April 2017, part of multiple birth, disabled, due to rape, kinship carers and so on.  This help is worth about £50 a week per child.

The 'family' element in Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit (worth over £500 a year) was also withdrawn.

Increased work related 'conditionality' for parents, including lone parents, claiming Universal Credit whose youngest child turns three years old must be fully available for work and work activity. Those whose youngest child turns two years old should take part in work preparation as well as work focused interviews. However, reasonable adjustments can be discussed with the Jobcentre Plus work coach.

Parental bereavement leave and pay

• From April 2020

Employees who suffer the death of a child aged under 18 years old, or a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy, will be entitled to two weeks’ of leave, and pay if they meet certain rules.

Shared Parental Leave and Pay

• From April 2015

Allows couples to share maternity and adoption leave and pay for new babies or adopted children that are due on or after 5 April 2015.
More details on shared Parental Pay and leave.

Sure Start Maternity Grant

• From 18 October 2018

The time limit for claiming this grant is extended from three to six months.
 
More information on the Sure Start Maternity Grant

Further help

What can I do if I'm affected by these changes?

For a comprehensive list of benefit changes see our 'timeline of benefit changes' on our changes to the benefits system page