Universal Credit(including child element) - Family support directory
When support is available
In or out of work, depending on income. You do not have to have paid NI contributions or be a taxpayer. If you are a full-time student, you can get UC if you are responsible for a child. You cannot get UC if you have more than £16,000 in capital or savings. You have no work-related requirements when you are responsible for a child under the age of one. If you are part of a couple, this only applies to the one who has main responsibility for the child. You may not receive this extra amount for a new baby if you already have two or more children. There are exceptions to this "two Child Limit".
Who qualifies
From birth - make sure you report the birth in the monthly assessment period in which your baby is born. If you are asked to provide further information or evidence, you should usually do so within 14 days.
More information
Universal credit (including child element)-If you were not getting Universal Credit before your baby was born, you should usually claim now. If you were already getting UC, you should report the birth. A child element of £292.81 a month is payable for a new baby. If you are affected by the two child limit, you should still report the birth as an amount may become payable for childcare, disability, or if an older child no longer qualifies. You can request an advance of your first payment following a new claim or birth of a new baby. You can request flexible payments in Scotland so that you are paid twice a month and the amount for rent goes direct to your landlord if you choose.
