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Updated on 6 April 2026

Benefit cap

The benefit cap is a limit on the total amount of working age benefits that you can receive. If your universal credit is over the amount of your benefit cap, it might be reduced.

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Updated on 6 April 2026

Limited companies and universal credit

For universal credit, if you are an owner or director of a limited company you may be treated as though you are self-employed and the company income treated as your self-employed income. 

A payslip showing the word 'SALARY'.
Updated on 6 April 2026

Universal credit and employee pay

Your pay as an employee will usually affect the amount of your universal credit award. In most cases, information about your pay (as an employee) will be sent to DWP and DfC automatically from HMRC and this page looks at how that information is used and in which assessment period.

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Updated on 6 April 2026

Income and universal credit

Your income, or both claimants’ combined income in joint claims and certain single claims, can affect how much your universal credit award is. Some income is taken into account in full when calculating your universal credit award, some it taken into account but tapered and some types of income are ...

A table with a hot beverage and a mobile phone showing 'UNIVERSAL CREDIT' on the screen.
Updated on 6 April 2026

Universal credit elements

Universal credit awards are made up of a number of different elements. The elements that are included in your award depend on your circumstances (and your partner’s circumstances if it is a joint claim).

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