Deductions from universal credit
Guide for professionals
The benefit cap
The benefit cap is a limit on the total amount of benefits for working age claimants.
The benefit cap applies to a claimant's total benefit entitlement, not just universal credit. It includes:
universal credit
child benefit
jobseeker's allowance (JSA)
employment and support allowance (ESA)
As well as several less common benefits.
The benefit cap applies if the claimant's total benefits go over a set limit. The amount of the limit depends on whether they live in Greater London and the makeup of their household.
The cap is applied as a deduction to their universal credit to bring their total benefit payments back down to the limit.
Benefit cap rates: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
| Family size | Monthly rate in London | Monthly rate outside London |
|---|---|---|
| Single person with no children | £1,413.92 | £1,229.42 |
| Couple with no children | £2,110.25 | £1,835 |
| Family with children | £2,110.25 | £1,835 |
Exceptions to the benefit cap
A claimant might be exempt from the benefit cap in certain circumstances. For example, if the claimant or their partner:
are working and earn more than £846 per month
lost their job or their earnings were reduced below the limit within the past 39 weeks
are of pension age and qualified for working tax credit before going through a managed migration to UC
receive various disability related benefits or have children receiving these benefits
More information
Find out more about how the benefit cap works.
Self-help advice for your client
Your client can find out more about dealing with the benefit cap on the Shelter website.
Professional advice on the benefit cap
Professionals can find more information on how the benefit cap is calculated and the exceptions that apply on Shelter Legal.
Last updated: 24 September 2025