Benefit Cap Calculator

Check if the benefit cap applies and how much your benefits will be reduced.

Last updated: April 2026 · Source: GOV.UK — Benefit cap

£

Include UC, Child Benefit, housing element etc.

Benefits Capped

Reduced by £133.33/month (£1,599.96/year)

You'll receive £1,666.67/month instead of £1,800.00/month

Benefit Cap (2025/26):

Couple/family: £1667/month (outside London) / £1917/month (London)

Single: £1117/month (outside London) / £1284/month (London)

Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

How It Works

The benefit cap limits the total amount of benefits a working-age household can receive. For 2025/26 the cap is £22,020 per year (£423.46/week) for couples and single parents outside London, and £25,323 per year (£486.98/week) in Greater London. Single people without children are capped at £14,753 (£283.71/week) outside London or £16,967 (£326.29/week) in London.

The cap applies to the combined total of most benefits including Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance. Some benefits are exempt from the cap, including Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Carer's Allowance, and Working Tax Credit.

You are exempt from the benefit cap if anyone in your household qualifies for Working Tax Credit, earns enough to receive the UC work allowance after the earnings taper, or receives certain disability or carer benefits. This calculator checks whether the cap applies to your household and estimates the reduction.

Example: Couple with 3 children, outside London, £26,000 in benefits

  1. Total annual benefits: £26,000
  2. Benefit cap (couple, outside London): £22,020
  3. Excess above cap: £3,980/year
  4. Weekly reduction: £76.54
  5. The reduction is applied to Housing Benefit or UC housing element

Source: GOV.UK — Benefit cap

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Benefit Cap Calculator do?
Check if the benefit cap applies and how much your benefits will be reduced. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.
Are benefit amounts accurate?
This calculator uses the published 2025/26 benefit rates. However, actual entitlements depend on a full assessment by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and may differ from estimates.
How do I claim this benefit?
You can apply for most benefits through GOV.UK or your local Jobcentre Plus. Some benefits require an online application; others may require a phone call or paper form.