Do You Get Child Benefit for 3rd Child?
In the UK, parents and guardians often wonder if they can receive Child Benefit for a third child. The good news is there is no limit on how many children you can claim Child Benefit for.
However, confusion arises due to the two-child limit applied to other benefits such as Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit. Understanding how these rules differ is vital for families with three or more children.
This guide provides accurate, updated information on eligibility, payment structures, exceptions, and application processes for claiming Child Benefit for a third child in 2025.
What Are the Current Child Benefit Rules in the UK?
Child Benefit is a payment made to those responsible for raising children under the age of 16 or under 20 if they are in approved education or training. It’s available for every child, regardless of the number in your household.
There is no cap on the number of children you can claim for. You will receive the standard rate for the first child and a reduced rate for each additional child.
- First child: Higher weekly payment
- Additional children: Lower weekly payment
- No income-based limit: But high earners may need to pay a tax charge
- Backdating: Maximum of three months
Payments are made every four weeks and are tax-free unless your income exceeds a specific threshold, in which case you may need to pay a tax charge.
How Does the Two-Child Limit Affect Child Benefit?
The two-child limit does not apply to Child Benefit. Instead, it affects certain means-tested benefits like Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit. This rule restricts additional financial support for a third or subsequent child unless exceptions apply.
For Child Benefit, families will still receive payments for a third or even fourth child without restriction. The confusion often comes from overlapping benefits where the two-child cap is enforced.
Child Benefit remains separate from the two-child rule. You may still claim for each child you are responsible for, without being penalised for having more than two.
Are There Exceptions to the Two-Child Limit?
Yes, specific exceptions allow families to receive support for more than two children through Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit. These exceptions aim to recognise unique or sensitive family circumstances.
- Multiple births (e.g., twins, triplets)
- Adopted children from local authority care
- Kinship care or non-parental caring arrangements
- Children born as a result of non-consensual conception
- Children of a child (if they live with you)
- Children returning to household (previously living elsewhere)
These exceptions must be supported with relevant documentation. They apply only to means-tested benefits and not to Child Benefit, which is available for every qualifying child regardless of these situations.
How Much Is Child Benefit for a Third Child in 2025?
Child Benefit rates are standardised and paid based on the number of children you are responsible for. As of 2025, the payment rates remain structured as follows:
| Child Order | Weekly Payment (2025) |
| First Child | £25.60 |
| Each Additional Child | £16.95 |
Even if you already receive Child Benefit for two children, you are still eligible to receive the lower rate for a third child.
These amounts are paid every four weeks and are not affected by your income unless you exceed the high-income threshold. In such cases, you may be liable for a High Income Child Benefit Charge through your tax return.
Can You Still Claim Universal Credit for a Third Child?
Universal Credit does enforce a two-child limit, but that doesn’t mean all third children are excluded. If your third child was born before 6 April 2017 or falls into one of the exception categories, you may still receive the child element.
Even if no extra child amount is paid, the third child still counts in the household for other calculations, such as housing or childcare costs. The key is determining whether an exception applies or if the child’s birthdate qualifies for continued payments.
What Happens When You Apply with More Than Two Children?
Applying for Universal Credit with three or more children involves several steps:
- You declare each child on the application form
- If one or more were born before 6 April 2017, you may be eligible
- If born after this date, check for exceptions
- The DWP will review your case and request any supporting documents
- Your award notice will detail whether extra amounts apply
It’s important to report all children even if they don’t qualify for additional payments. This ensures other entitlements like housing or childcare help are calculated correctly.
Are Third Children Automatically Considered Under Universal Credit?
No, third children are not automatically eligible for additional support under Universal Credit. Unless they were born before 6 April 2017 or meet an exception condition, no child element will be added to your award.
However, you must still report all children to ensure correct assessment of other benefits like free school meals and housing support.
How Are Payments Calculated for the Third Child?
Universal Credit payment calculations are based on individual circumstances and the number of children who qualify for the child element.
For a third child to receive the child element:
- They must be born before 6 April 2017
- Or meet aqualifying exception
If eligible, the standard child element rate is added to your monthly Universal Credit payment. Payments also vary depending on your income, work status, and deductions.
- Base rate per additional eligible child: ~£269.58/month
- Adjusted for work allowances and housing needs
- May include disability premium if applicable
Always use a benefits calculator to estimate your total entitlement based on your family composition.
What’s the Difference Between Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit for Multiple Children?
Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Universal Credit (UC) are both designed to support families, but they function differently, especially for those with more than two children.
| Aspect | Child Tax Credit | Universal Credit |
| Eligibility Cap | Two-child limit (with exceptions) | Two-child limit (with exceptions) |
| Additional Child Payment | Yes, if child was born before 6 April 2017 or meets exception | Same rules as CTC |
| New Claims Allowed | Not available for new claims | All new claims go through UC |
| Childcare Costs Support | Up to 70% | Up to 85% |
While CTC is gradually being replaced by UC, families still on CTC will maintain payments if eligibility continues. New claimants must apply for Universal Credit instead.
How Do You Apply for Child Benefit for a Third Child?
Applying for Child Benefit is straightforward and can be done online. The process remains the same regardless of whether it’s your first or third child.
- Visit the official claim portal or use the mobile app
- Complete the Child Benefit form with details of your third child
- Provide birth certificate or other identity documents
- Submit within three months to be eligible for full backdating
Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive a confirmation and payment dates. Ensure your personal and bank details are accurate to avoid delays.
Where to Submit Your Claim?
You can apply for Child Benefit through the official online portal or mobile app. Alternatively, you can request a paper form and submit it by post. Make sure to include your child’s details and sign the form to validate your claim.
What Documents Do You Need?
When claiming for your third child, you must provide:
- Child’s birth or adoption certificate
- National Insurance number (yours)
- Proof of address if requested
- Previous claim reference number (if adding to an existing claim)
Submitting these promptly will speed up your application and prevent any rejections or delays.
Can You Backdate Your Application?
Yes, you can backdate your Child Benefit claim for up to three months from the date of submission. However, this only applies if you were eligible during that period and can provide the necessary documentation. Claims beyond three months will not be considered, so early submission is essential.
What Happens If You’re Already Claiming for Two Children?
If you’re already receiving Child Benefit or Universal Credit for two children and have a third child, you must update your claim.
Each system has its process:
- Child Benefit: Add your third child via online account or paper form
- Universal Credit: Update journal and notify DWP of the new child
- Documents required: Birth certificate or adoption paperwork
Once the update is processed:
- Child Benefit: Additional lower-rate payment begins
- Universal Credit: May receive extra child element only if exception applies
- Other benefits: Housing and childcare support adjusted accordingly
Ensure any change is reported within one month to avoid missing entitlements or facing penalties.
Conclusion
Claiming Child Benefit for a third child in the UK remains possible without restrictions. While the two-child limit affects Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit, it does not impact Child Benefit, which continues to support each child you are responsible for.
Knowing the distinction and understanding the exceptions helps families navigate the system more effectively. Ensure you apply promptly, provide required documents, and check for any special circumstances that may boost your entitlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do stepchildren or adopted children count toward the two-child limit?
Adopted children from local authority care are usually exempt, and stepchildren may not count if they’re not included in the original benefit claim.
Can you get extra support if you’re a kinship carer for a third child?
Yes, kinship carers can receive additional support if the child would otherwise be under local authority care.
Does Universal Credit cover childcare costs for a third child?
Yes, childcare costs can still be covered under Universal Credit, even if no additional child element is paid.
Are foster children included in the child benefit claim?
No, foster children are not eligible for Child Benefit, as the local authority provides financial support.
How long does it take to get a decision on a third child claim?
It typically takes between 3 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly you provide the necessary documents.
What should you do if your child benefit was denied for a third child?
You should request a mandatory reconsideration and provide supporting documentation to justify the claim.
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