There's a limit to the total amount of benefit you can claim when you're of working age - this is known as the benefit cap.
If the benefit cap affects you, your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit will be reduced so that your weekly income is no higher than the current cap levels.
The level of the cap is:
- £384.62 a week for couples (with or without children living with them)
- £384.62 a week for single parents whose children live with them
- £257.69 a week for single adults who don't have children, or whose children don't live with them
If you're finding it difficult to cope financially
If the benefit cap affects you and you're finding it difficult to cope financially, we may be able to help you in the short term.
You may be able to apply for a:
Advice and support is available if you are struggling. If you are a council tenant speak to your Housing Management Officer.
If you think the benefit cap should not apply to you
Call the benefit cap helpline for advice if you, your partner or any children you're responsible for receive one or more benefits unaffected by the cap, and you think the cap shouldn't apply to you.
Stop the benefit cap applying to you
If you find work, you may be able to get Working Tax Credit and this could mean the benefit cap won’t apply to you.
Contact Jobcentre Plus to make an appointment to see a work coach.
Also see
Benefits appointments
Contact us for an appointment to get benefits advice in person at West Offices.