Benefit cap

What is the benefit cap?

The benefit cap is a limit that has been set on the maximum amount of benefit that some working age people can receive.

How is the cap decided?

The cap will apply to the combined total of the main 'out of work' benefits which includes: 

• Jobseeker's Allowance 
• Income Support 
• Employment and Support Allowance (unless you get the support component) 
• Housing Benefit 
• Child Benefit 
• Child Tax Credit 
• Carer's Allowance

The cap will not include one-off benefits, such as Social Fund loans, or non-cash benefits like free school meals. In Work Credit and Return to Work Credit will not be included.

Benefit Cap rates from 1 April 2023

• £423.46 a week for couples (with or without children)
• £423.46 a week for single parents whose children live with them
• £283.71 a week for single adults who don't have children, or whose children don't live with them

Who the cap will not apply to

There are exceptions and some households will not be subject to the benefit cap.

Pensioners will not be affected by the cap.

More information can be found on GOV.UK - Benefit cap about any of these benefits or to see if you could be excluded from the benefit cap.

Which benefit will be cut?

If the cap applies to you then any extra benefit you have above the cap will be taken from your Housing Benefit. When you move to Universal Credit, the extra will be taken from that.

Can I get any help with my housing benefit to help pay my rent?

Extra help may be made available by means of a Discretionary housing payment for those who are affected by this change.