On today’s Money Box program on Radio 4 – the relaxation of China’s two child policy (being increased to three) was mentioned. It was also stated that only three countries in the world have policies that restrict State child benefits (based on the number of children in a family). Besides China, Vietnam was another – having a two child policy.
Can you guess the name of the third, and only other country that restricts State child benefits based on the number of children within a family?
My mother had three children but only got child benefit for one for seven years or so. It wasn't available for the first child so she didn't get it for my sister but she got it for my brother until my sister left school at 14.
When I came along my sister and brother were adults so I was classed as an only child.
My mother was very bitter about it. :D
Thanks jackdaw. So, if you got Income support, Universal Credit, Disability benefit (for children), those apply to all children and not just the oldest two?
JJ, not that I think they should pay you to have children, but also many countries have a far better national childcare systems, which means parents (especially women) are far more able to work.
oh ok, childcare payments are extortinate (sp). All the kids I know who work are so lucky in having the grandparents to look after them, these grandparents literally save thousands for them.
Yes, I babysit when I can... but also work full-time. School holidays are difficult, as that is 14 weeks a year, and not many jobs offer that much Annual Leave.
Barry - these grandparents are retired now and have holiday homes. I err don't think they(grandparents) expected to be looking after little ones at age 70 but there ya go.
I think it is only Child Tax Credit and the child element of Universal Credit which is restricted to benefits for two children. Child Benefit (£21.15pw for the first child and £14pw for subsequent children) is, as far as I know, unrestricted.
There is no reason why having additional children should result in additional benefits being paid. People in work do not receive additional pay when they have more children. People who live on benefits (whether by bad fortune or choice) should be subject to the same decisions.