The first benefit cap stats have been published since the 2-child limit was scrapped. 165,000 families - containing over 370,000 children - are now hit by the benefit cap. That’s 50,000 more families than before. 1/4
Chart from the DWP showing the number of benefit capped households in Great Britain over time. It shows that 164,000 families receiving Universal Credit were affected by the benefit cap in May 2026, up from 115,000 families in February 2026. (These figures are slightly different from those quoted in this post because we have added the separate benefit cap statistics for Northern Ireland into the DWP’s statistics for Great Britain.

ALT Chart from the DWP showing the number of benefit capped households in Great Britain over time. It shows that 164,000 families receiving Universal Credit were affected by the benefit cap in May 2026, up from 115,000 families in February 2026. (These figures are slightly different from those quoted in this post because we have added the separate benefit cap statistics for Northern Ireland into the DWP’s statistics for Great Britain.

Sep 22, 2026 · 9:06 AM UTC

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The benefit cap means £80 a week on average deducted from already inadequate Universal Credit payments, leaving families unable to afford essentials like food/energy. These deductions hamper +ive impact of removing 2-child limit, as families are hit by benefit cap instead. 2/4
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A Protected Minimum Floor in UC would be a quick/pragmatic fix, providing breathing space to children facing the deepest poverty. This would build on Fair Repayment Rate which limits debt deductions to 15% of basic UC, extending it to benefit cap deductions too. 3/4
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Read more about a Protected Minimum Floor in Universal Credit: jrf.org.uk/social-security/a… DWP benefit cap stats for Great Britain are here: gov.uk/government/statistics… Separate DfC benefit cap stats for Northern Ireland are here: communities-ni.gov.uk/public… 4/4

A protected minimum floor in Universal Credit to cut deep child poverty

A new safety net in Universal Credit would limit hardship from debt deductions and the benefit cap, lifting of the order of 100,000 children out of very deep poverty.

jrf.org.uk
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Replying to @IainKPorter
In the same news 50,000 more families with no one working and having no disability in the family (in either adults or children) that constrains their capacity for work have had their benefit income boosted to over £22k outside London or over £25k in London.
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Replying to @IainKPorter
Don’t tell @theJeremyVine
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