MPs admit living off £53 a week would be difficult, amid controversy over welfare cutbacks.
But the county's politicians underlined the need to curb spending on benefits and pointed out the cap of £26,000 was the equivalent to earning £35,000, before tax.
They also highlighted the assistance available to vulnerable claimants, while working families would be helped through the raising of the tax threshold.
It came as Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith faced demands to try living on £53 a week, although it subsequently emerged the man who laid down the challenge may actually have nearer £150.
Conservative MP for Gloucester Richard Graham said opposition to the benefit cap was a "mystery" to his constituents, whose average salary is about 25 per cent lower. While arguing living on £53 a week was "an unreal test", he said: "It would be tough but the truth is you never know what you can do until you have to do it.
"The bigger point is to try and make sure you've got the skills and the determination in life not to depend on state handouts."
Neil Carmichael, Conservative MP for Stroud, said: "The measures are all about fairness. It's really important to encourage people back to work."
Asked if he could live on £53, he said: "Yes I could. That's what I would have to do if I found myself in that position. And I would do my level best to find a job."
Mark Harper, Conservative MP for the Forest of Dean and Immigration Minister, said: "The Government's welfare changes simply ask people on benefits to make some of the same choices working families have to make.
"This seems to be accepted by most people in the Forest. A number of my constituents have told me that, if anything, this cap is too generous."
