Nursery World - Families impacted by two-child benefits limit ‘struggling to keep their head above water’

The two-child benefits cap has put families in financial hardship, reduced their opportunities to learn and impacted their mental health, finds research.

Families with more than two children have said they are struggling with providing for their children due to the benefits cap, PHOTO: Adobe Stock

According to a new report, ‘Lost Opportunities’, by charity Nesta, families affected by the two child limit are finding it hard to afford basic necessities, eat well and give their children valuable and rewarding life experiences.

It is based on 35 interviews with parents in England affected by the cap, which was introduced in 2017, changing the eligibility criteria for Universal Credit and Tax Credit allowances. Under the policy, families no longer qualify for support for their third and subsequent children.

Allyson, a lone parent of four and employed part-time, with one child impacted by the cap, said, ‘When I was on Tax Credits I would be able to go and get my weekly shop. Now I have to do a monthly shop and by the time the first week is over there’s no food left.’

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