The Universal Credit Regulations 2013

Circumstances where the benefit cap applies

79.—(1) Unless regulation 82 or 83 applies, the benefit cap applies where the welfare benefits to which a single person or couple is entitled during the reference period exceed the relevant amount.

(2) The reference period for the purposes of the benefit cap is the assessment period for an award of universal credit.

(3) The “relevant amount” is—

(a) £2167 for joint claimants or a single claimant who is responsible for a child or qualifying young person; or

(b) £1517 for a single claimant who is not responsible for a child or qualifying young person.

(4) The welfare benefits referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a) bereavement allowance;

(b) carer’s allowance;

(c) child benefit under section 141 of the Contributions and Benefits Act;

(d) employment and support allowance;

(e) guardian’s allowance under section 77 of the Contributions and Benefits Act;

(f) jobseeker’s allowance;

(g) maternity allowance;

(h) universal credit;

(i) widowed mother’s allowance;

(j) widowed parent’s allowance;

(k) widow’s pension.