The Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill 2026 - screening
Date published:
The two-child limit in UC was introduced as a welfare reform measure for Northern Ireland by the Westminster Government in 2017.
UC is a benefit designed to help households on low incomes with their living costs. UC awards include an amount for each child or qualifying young person for whom a claimant is responsible, known as the child element. The two-child limit is a policy that restricts payment of the child element of UC to the first two children in a family. Under the policy, the additional child element is paid for a maximum of two children unless they were born before 6 April 2017, or a relevant exception applies.
Existing/Revised/New: Revised
Date of Screening: 26/02/2026
Screening Outcome - Full EQIA recommended: No