2 child rule?

[LoveTheLakes40]

I’ve just found out that I’m about 12 weeks pregnant and I do not live with the father.

I have 2 children - one is 15 and one is 12. I’m a single mother to these children and receive child tax credits, working tax credits and child benefits.

I’ve heard that the government no longer provides benefits for the third child. My question is - when my first child gets to 18 and I stop receiving benefits for him, will I start receiving benefits for child number 3 instead?

So, can you only receive benefits for 2 children at the same time, or can you only receive benefits for 2 children in your lifetime?

I don't know the answer to this one. It is likely to be per claim, meaning you would still get benefit for two when the eldest is an adult, but the DWP would be able to advise further.

You should call tax credits and ask also

Thank you both!

Also- child BENEFIT as opposed to CREDIT does not stop after two children, so you will get that for all three (so only people poor enough to really need the extra help get penalised for having an extra child )

Yes, however they don’t stop at 18, its end of August after finishing sixth form , unless they leave education early.