Change the benefit cap for those who claim childcare
Exempt the Universal Credit childcare element from the Benefit Cap. It is a work-related expense, not a benefit. Stop penalizing parents who work 40+ hours only to be poorer than non-working households. Ensure the 2026 child element increases actually reach working families, not just the capped.
Signatures
7
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 7/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 7/100,000
- 12 FEB 2026Petition rejectedno-action
We are not clear what action you are seeking, as childcare cost are not subject to the benefit cap. You can find more information here: https://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2023-0365/020_Benefit_Cap_V22-0.pdf
- 14 JAN 2026Petition created
Background
Exempt the Universal Credit childcare element from the Benefit Cap. It is a work expense, not a benefit. Currently, the system punishes full-time work; my £1,770 childcare cost exceeds my £1,687 wage, and the Cap steals the "child elements" meant for my children’s survival. While non-working households will benefit from the April 2026 changes, working families will see every extra penny "capped off." Stop making it more profitable to stay home than to work 40 hours. Make work pay for us too.