Help? Are benefits being capped at 3 children?

Cat_Astrophe

My friend has just rather panicked me. She quite gloatingly told me that child benefit and CTC are being capped after the third child so you cannot claim for more than 3 children?

I've done a seach and can see its something that has been discussed before but not something that's been decided - neither is it in the welfare reform bill.

Does anyone know if this is the case or have further details/ links? I have 4 children and am trying to repay debts at the moment so money is very tight and I'm a bit panicked at the thought of this.

ALIBOBSY

I have 4 children myself and haven't seen anything about this.
TBH though it wouldn't suprise me once they have the UC up and running if they start doing stuff like this.


We are working hard to get a buisiness off the ground so we aim to earn enough that future changes won't effect us. I think given the current econimic situation and the fact it obviously is going to stay this way at least for the next few years whatever party is in charge in government the benefit levels will be cut and slashed.

Best bet is to try to save and pay down debt now to be prepared for any further cuts.

However like the UC these things have to be proposed and pass through the system so at least you get some warning and can prepare.

Ali x

ALIBOBSY

Having googled it myself it would appear that its been discussed and alongside various other possible cuts and changes is still "on the table". But as yet nothing has definately been decided and its certainly not on the cards for this year.

Guess its a case of watching the budgets and seeing what happens once UC gets up and running.

Ali x

paddedjohn

A great idea if it happens.

Dunroamin

Wishful thinking I'm afraid.

*gem*

paddedjohn wrote: »

A great idea if it happens.

Not really. What happens if somebody had had their 4th child unwillingly? For example through rape or after being sterilised thinking they had already finished adding to their family? Terminations aren't always available or suitable for all either!

I agree with it being capped at 3 children to a certain extent because people shouldn't be allowed to just keep adding to their families to gain more money or contiune getting IS but there are certain circumstances where it's not fair in the slightest to cap it at 3 children.

Dunroamin

Much better to cap it at two.

skylight

1) - A friend doesn't gloat about anything so I would look at that first
2) - There is a benefit cap coming into place next year (all benefits inducing housing, income support, CTC etc) at a maximum of £500 per week (disabilities not included). It will therefore affect those on benefits with lots of kids rather than those not on benefits with lots of kids (and other variables!) Alongside other benefit changes.

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/benefits/benefits_news_and_changes/benefit_cap.aspx Try here to get an idea of what's what.

shegirl

*gem* wrote: »

Not really. What happens if somebody had had their 4th child unwillingly? For example through rape or after being sterilised thinking they had already finished adding to their family? Terminations aren't always available or suitable for all either!

I agree with it being capped at 3 children to a certain extent because people shouldn't be allowed to just keep adding to their families to gain more money or contiune getting IS but there are certain circumstances where it's not fair in the slightest to cap it at 3 children.

Oh,fgs,is there anything people won't say to argue against it?If a fourth child is created by rape 99% of people wouldn't want their rapists child.If it was unexpected or anything else you deal with it and make your own choices.Why the heck should the country foot the bill for people choosing to continue to have more kids?Niether of those examples you gave make any difference.Why is it 'unfair' if thr child wasn't planned?

Adereterial

*gem* wrote: »

Not really. What happens if somebody had had their 4th child unwillingly? For example through rape or after being sterilised thinking they had already finished adding to their family? Terminations aren't always available or suitable for all either!

I agree with it being capped at 3 children to a certain extent because people shouldn't be allowed to just keep adding to their families to gain more money or contiune getting IS but there are certain circumstances where it's not fair in the slightest to cap it at 3 children.

I'm sorry, what? Terminations are available, on the NHS. They may not be convenient to obtain, but nor should they be. They are statistically safer than continuing a pregnancy, can be performed medically or even without anaesthetic, in the early stages. Religious or moral reasons not to have a termination boil down to choice, not inability or unavailability, and governments should not pay for an individual's choice.

Governments have to draw lines - they cannot do such things on a case by case basis, as everyone would feel they were entitled. 3 children is over the national average per family.

skylight

I have more than average children now as I have taken on my grandson. It was either me or the care system.

I will lose everything I get currently get for him whilst saving the local authority £00's a week in care fees. No CSA from either parent and I will be lucky to get a SGO allowance in court.

Fair? Unfair? Whichever way, I will have to make do along with everyone else in the UK.