What is the benefit cap
There is a limit on the total amount of benefit that most working age people can get. This is called the benefit cap.
The maximum amount of benefit per week you can get is:
- £257.69 per week for single people without children
- £384.62 per week for single parents
- £384.62 per week for couples, whether you have children or not
The benefit cap includes your housing benefit. If your benefits are more than the benefit cap, your housing benefit is cut so that your total benefit is not more than the benefit cap amount.
Who is affected by the benefit cap
Visit the GOV.UK website to find out who will and won't be affected by the cap.
What to do if you are affected by the benefit cap
We strongly advise you contact our Welfare Reform Team who can offer expert advice to people affected by the benefit cap.
The team will be able to discuss options with you such as:
- How to find work (including self-employment) and claim Working Tax Credit
- How to increase your hours of work (including self-employment) and claim Working Tax Credit
- If you or a member of your family are disabled, applying for other benefits which mean that the benefit cap won't affect you
- Getting help to manage your money so that you can afford to pay your rent from your other income
- Apply for a discretionary housing payment to help top up your housing benefit
You can get more information on the benefit cap on the GOV.UK website.
