What the two-child cap is and how it affects families

The two-child benefit cap is a government policy that is now affecting over 1.6 million children across Britain - but many people are still unaware of what it does or why it matters.

- 

The limit, which came into effect under the Conservatives in April 2017, restricts child tax credit and universal credit (UC) to the first two children in most households.

If you have more than two children, you cannot claim extra benefit payments for a third or subsequent child unless you meet certain exemptions. The rule applies to children born after April 6, 2017.

The policy was originally brought in as part of wider welfare reforms under austerity measures. Ministers at the time said it would encourage responsible family planning. But nearly a decade later, its effects are increasingly visible and increasingly questioned.