The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has reported that 58,000 households on Universal Credit were newly subject to the benefit cap between March 2026 and May 2026. According to the DWP's quarterly Benefit Cap Statistics release, published on Tuesday 22 September, this is the highest number of newly capped households since the COVID pandemic.
DWP data shows 160,000 households affected
The same release, which covers the whole of the United Kingdom, shows that 160,000 households had their benefits capped during the period. Almost all of these households are capped under Universal Credit, the DWP confirmed. The statistics form part of the Benefit Cap statistics collection produced under the current Labour Party government.
The data marks a notable increase in the number of households facing the cap for the first time, with the figure of 58,000 representing a significant cohort of Universal Credit claimants who have not previously been subject to the restriction.
Help available for affected claimants
On its website, the DWP advises anyone affected by the benefit cap to contact the department if they need help. Claimants who require assistance with rent or a rent deposit are also directed to their local council, which can assess eligibility for support from the 'Crisis and Resilience Fund' in England, or for a 'Discretionary Housing Payment' in Scotland or Wales.
The DWP notes that these schemes are not affected by the benefit cap. Claimants can contact the DWP either through the journal in their online Universal Credit account or by calling the Universal Credit helpline.
Helpline details and support services
For those who do not receive Universal Credit, the benefit cap helpline is available on 0800 169 0145. Welsh language speakers can call 0800 169 0238. Relay UK users, who cannot hear or speak on the phone, can ring 18001 followed by 0800 169 0145.
A British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service is also available for claimants using a computer, with instructions for accessing the service on mobile or tablet available on the DWP website. The DWP states that its helplines operate from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm, and that call charges may apply.
