Benefit cap from 2013

This content applies to England only. From April 2013, the 'benefit cap' puts an overall limit on the total amount of welfare benefits many people can claim.

 
Find out how the benefit cap could affect you, and what action you can take if it does.The benefit cap was introduced in four London boroughs on 15 April 2013. 

It will be extended to the rest of the UK over the summer months.

Under the benefit cap, the total amount of benefits that can be received by any individual or family will be limited to a maximum amount of: £500 per week for single parents and couples with children £350 per week for single people.

Housing benefit will be reduced to prevent the total benefits received going above these limits. You will probably be affected by the benefit cap if you are out of work and claiming benefits such as income support, jobseeker's allowance, employment and support allowance. 

Housing benefit counts towards the maximum amount of benefit that can be paid. The cap won't apply to you if you work enough hours to be eligible for working tax credit. Some other groups of people also won't be affected.