third child benefits confusion

[hungryandhormonal]

Currently pregnant with my third child. Other two DC will be 14 and 13 at time of birth. Do not claim any benefits at this time. In past, I claimed working tax and child tax credits, along with some child care element. Childcare element ended around 3 years ago. All other benefits ceased around 2 years ago.

This is my DP first child.

I know of the 2 child limit for benefits but I am confused as to whether that is re. adding a child on to an existing claim or if you are exempt from making any claims if you have other children born before 2017, full stop. My DP has never claimed any benefits at all. Is he entitled to claim? I find it all quite confusing and info online is bare bones.

I think we would be over the threshold for most benefits anyway. But even a little help with childcare costs could be a massive help.

Should add; we both work full time. Knowing whether I am entitled to make any claims will assist with my decision making re. how long to take off on maternity leave. If I can get help with childcare, I think I could return much quicker.

I think you can claim as it’s how many kids you’re claiming for, not how many you have.

I don’t think you will receive UC for your third child.

But I think you can get help with childcare costs

www.entitledto.co.uk/help/exemptions_to_2_child_limit

Best to get it from the government website as I can't work out what exactly you are trying to claim

• www.gov.uk/guidance/claiming-benefits-for-2-or-more-children

You may be eligible for universal credit but will depend on earnings/ childcare costs/ rent etc.
You will not get a child element for your third child but can still claim help with childcare costs.
You can claim child benefit for any number of children as long as you are not over the earnings threshold.

Just to add- any Uc claim would need to be a joint claim.

You can have child benefit for unlimited children but UC claim will not pay anything for a child born after 2017. So yes you can n claim for a 3rd child on UC if born before then as rightly so gave notice when rules would apply. A child born after rules come in would expect you to “know what you are getting into” sort thing