Benefit Cap Calculator
Check if the benefit cap affects you in 2025/26. Compare your total monthly benefits to the cap for your household and area, and see any deduction.
Benefit cap checker
2025/26 caps. Monthly figures.
A guide only. Full rules and exemptions are on GOV.UK Benefit Cap.
What the benefit cap is
The benefit cap is a limit on the total amount of benefit that most working-age households can receive. If your total benefits are above the cap, your Universal Credit (or Housing Benefit) is reduced so your overall income comes back within the limit. The cap is higher in Greater London, where rents are higher.
Outside London the cap is £22,020 a year (£1,835/month) for couples and lone parents, and £14,753 for single people. In London it is £25,323 and £16,967. Many households are exempt — for example anyone earning £846+ a month.
2025/26 benefit cap levels
| Household | Outside London | Greater London |
|---|---|---|
| Couple / lone parent (per year) | £22,020 | £25,323 |
| Couple / lone parent (per month) | £1,835.00 | £2,110.25 |
| Single, no children (per year) | £14,753 | £16,967 |
| Single, no children (per month) | £1,229.05 | £1,413.92 |
Source: GOV.UK — Benefit cap amounts, 2025/26.
Who is exempt from the cap
The cap does not apply if you, your partner or your children receive certain benefits, including the Universal Credit disability or carer elements, PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance. It also does not apply if you earn at least £846 a month on Universal Credit, or during a nine-month grace period after a long spell of work.
How the cut is applied
The DWP works out your total relevant benefits, compares them to your cap, and reduces your Universal Credit by the difference. The cut is never taken from the childcare element or certain other protected amounts, so the way it lands can be complex — this tool gives a simple headline figure to flag whether you are likely affected.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the benefit cap in 2025/26?
Outside Greater London the cap is £22,020 a year (£1,835 a month) for couples and lone parents, and £14,753 (£1,229.05 a month) for single people with no children. In Greater London it is £25,323 and £16,967 respectively.
Who is exempt from the benefit cap?
You are exempt if you, your partner or a child get certain benefits — including the disability or carer elements, PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, or if you earn enough to be in work (at least £846 a month on Universal Credit).
Which benefits count towards the cap?
Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and several others count. The cap is applied by reducing your Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
Does working remove the benefit cap?
Yes. If you earn at least £846 a month (the earnings threshold) on Universal Credit, the cap no longer applies. There is also a nine-month grace period if you recently stopped a long period of work.
Is the benefit cap higher in London?
Yes. Because rents are higher, the Greater London cap is set above the rest of the UK — £25,323 a year for couples and lone parents, compared with £22,020 elsewhere.