Reuse Network call for an end to the two-child limit to benefit payments

New research by the End Child Poverty coalition reveals the extent of the impact that the two-child limit to benefit payments is having on child poverty.

Their findings reveal that every constituency across the UK is home to children impacted by the two-child limit and that 1 in 9 children across the UK are affected by this policy. Further to this, the report highlights the significant impact of the policy on the lives of children and their families. The two-child limit is one of the biggest drivers of rising child poverty. 51% of children in larger families will be living in poverty in 2028-29 if this policy is not scrapped.

The report shows that if the policy is scrapped, 350,000 children would no longer live in poverty – and a further 700,000 children would be in less deep poverty.

 About the two-child limit to benefit payments

Universal Credit payments can include additional amounts for each child in the household. Child related amounts are designed to help towards the extra costs of bringing up children and to reduce child poverty. In April 2017 a “two-child limit” was imposed on these additional amounts. With some exceptions, households with a third or subsequent child born since 6 April 2017 do not receive an additional amount for these children through Universal Credit. These families are missing out on up to £3,514 per child in 2025/26. The two-child limit also applies to Child Tax Credit, which is a legacy benefit.

Joint public letter calling on the government to bring an end to the two-child benefit limit

Reuse Network has joined fellow members of the End Child Poverty coalition to urge the Chancellor to bring an end to the two-child limit to benefits which would be the most cost-effective way to lift children out of poverty. It is essential that the Government act now to protect vulnerable children.

You can read the public letter here and the End Child Poverty report here.

Work with us to alleviate poverty

At the Reuse Network, we work with reuse charities and commercial partners to help alleviate furniture poverty to ensure everyone has a sustainable home. If you are able to support us in our mission with funding, or donations household essentials, please get in touch with our Chief Operating Officer, hannah.jordan@reuse-network.org.uk