Answers · UK 2025/26
What is the UK benefit cap amount in 2026/27?
Outside London the benefit cap is GBP 442.31/week (GBP 23,000/year) for couples and lone parents, and GBP 296.35/week (GBP 15,410/year) for single adults without children. Higher caps apply in Greater London. Some benefits and earnings exempt households from the cap.
Full answer
The benefit cap limits the total amount of certain welfare benefits a working-age household can receive. It was introduced in 2013 and applies in England, Scotland, and Wales. 2026/27 benefit cap amounts Outside Greater London: -- Couples (with or without children) and lone parents: GBP 442.31/week (GBP 23,000/year) -- Single adults without children: GBP 296.35/week (GBP 15,410/year) Greater London: -- Couples and lone parents: GBP 486.98/week (GBP 25,323/year) -- Single adults without children: GBP 326.29/week (GBP 16,967/year) Which benefits count toward the cap? Benefits counted include Universal Credit (excluding the childcare and work allowance elements), Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance (assessment phase), and several others. Exemptions -- when the cap does not apply Households are fully exempt from the cap if anyone in the household receives: -- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) -- any component -- Attendance Allowance -- Carer's Allowance -- Working Tax Credit (legacy) or the UC work allowance (if working enough hours) -- Employment and Support Allowance (support group) -- main phase -- Certain war pension components Additionally, if you (or your partner) are working and earning enough to receive the UC work allowance (at least GBP 793/month gross with children or GBP 404/month without), the cap does not apply. How the cap is applied In Universal Credit, the cap reduces the UC award. If UC is insufficient to absorb the cap, Housing Benefit (if applicable) is reduced instead. In exceptional cases the remaining amount can also reduce other benefits. Grace period Households that have been working for 12 consecutive months without a benefit cap applying get a 9-month grace period after losing their job before the cap kicks in. Appealing the cap If you believe the cap has been applied incorrectly -- for example, if an exempt benefit is not being counted -- contact DWP. You can request a mandatory reconsideration and then appeal to an independent tribunal.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.