Policy background Changes to the child element of universal credit
These provisions implement similar policy intent to the section above.
	Currently, the 'child element' of the universal credit award is payable to claimants in respect of each child or qualifying young person for whom they are responsible. This includes a higher rate in respect of the first child or qualifying young person, and a lower rate in respect of the second and each subsequent child or qualifying young person.
	The Act limits the child element of universal credit to include amounts in respect of a maximum of two children or qualifying young persons for whom the claimant is responsible and removes the distinction between the first and subsequent children in the rate of the child element. This limit will not apply to the additional amount that is paid in respect of a child or qualifying young persons who is disabled as the Act allows this amount to be paid for each disabled child or young person for whom the claimant is responsible.