Date set in March for applications for Scottish scheme to scrap two-child cap

The Scottish Government’s scheme to effectively abolish the two-child cap on some benefits will open for applications from March 2, John Swinney has confirmed.

The First Minister insisted people in Scotland “should be assured that the two-child limit will be lifted”.

Applications for the scheme, to mitigate the impact of the two-child benefit cap for affected families, will open early in March, he confirmed.

That comes after the Scottish Government announced in December 2024 that it would be taking action to effectively scrap the controversial policy in Scotland – with SNP ministers hitting out at Labour for its failure to abolish it across the UK.

Introduced under the Conservatives, the two-child cap means families can only claim some benefits for their first two children, with no additional cash awarded to them for any subsequent offspring.

However, there is now speculation Chancellor Rachel Reeves could seek to mitigate the policy in her Budget next month.

Swinney, appearing before the conveners of Holyrood’s committees, was asked what the impact would be if the Chancellor does act.

It comes amid speculation Reeves could introduce a tapered system, amid reports suggesting UK Government officials are wary of the escalating costs for very large families.

Swinney said he could not “shed any light” on what the Chancellor might do, telling MSPs: “I have read various media reports which contain speculation, but I can’t give a definitive view on that.”

However, he was clear his government will proceed with its plan to effectively abolish the cap in Scotland.

The First Minister said the government is “maintaining the approach we are taking to open for applications for the two-child limit payment on March 2, 2026”.

And he added: “That work is under way within government.”

Swinney continued: “We’re proceeding to deliver full mitigation, with the effect from opening for applications on March 2, 2026. That is our plan.”

While he said the Scottish Government would “reflect” on any announcements from Westminster, the First Minister stated: “We’re not changing our plan based on the speculation that we’re hearing.”