The two-child benefit limit is now affecting 1.7 million children in the UK, with a further 37,000 added in the year to April, according to alarming new figures. The policy, described by charities as “devastating and shameful,” continues to spark outrage as it drives more families into poverty.
Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) released on Thursday reveal that one in nine children in the UK are now impacted by the two-child benefit cap. Among the affected households, 62% have three children, and 59% of families are in employment.
Charities Call for Urgent Action to Scrap Two-Child Benefit Limit
The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has labelled the two-child benefit limit as a “brutal policy,” warning it makes life harder for children and dims their future prospects.
“Giving every child the best start in life is impossible while this cruel policy remains in place. Families cannot afford to wait any longer for the government to act,” said Alison Garnham, CPAG’s chief executive.
In April 2025, 469,780 households on Universal Credit were subject to the two-child benefit cap, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. The policy, introduced in 2017, restricts benefits for third or subsequent children born after its implementation.
Child Poverty Deepens Amid Rising Numbers
The number of children living under this restriction has reached 1,665,540, up by over 37,000 compared to the previous year. Campaigners warn this figure represents thousands of children missing out on basic necessities such as food, clothing, and safe housing.
Dan Paskins, executive director of policy and campaigns at Save the Children UK, slammed the policy as “devastating and shameful,” adding that nearly 40,000 additional children are now being “punished” for having siblings.
CPAG estimates that since 2017, the policy has pushed 350,000 children into poverty and driven another 700,000 deeper into poverty. It says 109 children are being pushed into poverty every single day due to this cap.
Political and Public Pressure Mounts
Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue, warned of a worsening poverty crisis, calling on the government to scrap the two-child limit in the upcoming autumn budget.
“This is both a moral and political emergency,” he stated. “The savings from this policy will only lead to greater costs across education, healthcare, and social services.”
Earlier this week, the Children’s Commissioner condemned the current poverty levels as “almost Dickensian,” intensifying pressure on the government to scrap the policy.
However, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson cautioned that the government’s recent welfare U-turn could complicate efforts to reverse the two-child benefit limit.
The DWP has yet to respond to the latest figures.
