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Benefits · 2025/26 caps

Benefit Cap Calculator

The Benefit Cap limits the total weekly benefits a working-age household can receive — unless you qualify for an exemption. We show you the cap that applies and how much would be cut.

£

Below the cap

£21.08 headroom

No cap reduction applies.

Breakdown

  • Annual cap
    £24,496
  • Weekly cap
    £471
  • Your weekly benefits
    £450
  • Weekly reduction
    £0
  • Annual reduction
    £0

How we calculated your result

We compare your total weekly benefits to the annual cap (÷52). Any excess is the weekly reduction the DWP applies — usually by cutting your Universal Credit. The cap is higher in Greater London and higher again for families.

Official UK rules in simple English

  • Greater London: £18,837.36 (single, no kids) or £28,116.72 (family) per year.
  • Outside London: £16,395.66 (single, no kids) or £24,496.32 (family) per year.
  • Cap is applied weekly — earnings over £846/month (post-tax) trigger the ”in work” exemption.
  • 9-month grace period after losing a job, if previously worked 50 of last 52 weeks.

Common pitfalls to watch out for

  • ⚠ Carer’s Allowance exempts you

    Receiving Carer’s Allowance or the UC carer element removes the cap entirely — many people miss this.

  • ⚠ PIP exemption is per household

    If anyone in the household (including children) gets PIP or DLA, the whole household is exempt.

  • ⚠ Housing Benefit isn’t always cut

    On legacy benefits the cap reduces Housing Benefit. On UC it reduces the standard allowance — your rent payment stays the same.

Frequently asked questions

Which benefits count towards the cap?
UC, Housing Benefit, Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit, JSA, ESA (assessment phase or work-related activity group), Income Support, Maternity Allowance, Bereavement Allowance.
What if my circumstances change?
Report changes to DWP within a month — moving in/out of London or starting work above the threshold immediately changes your cap position.
Does the cap apply to pensioners?
No — the Benefit Cap only applies to working-age households. Anyone over State Pension Age is exempt.

Estimate only. Use turn2us.org.uk or contact your local Jobcentre for a full assessment.

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