Benefit Cap

Many benefit changes have taken place due to the Welfare Reform Act 2012. Changes were made in respect of the maximum amount of Welfare Benefits a customer can receive.

The Benefit Cap was introduced to ensure that customers on benefits do not receive a greater income than the average working family. These rates are now;

  • £384.62 per week (£20,000 a year) if you’re in a couple, whether your children live with you or not

  • £384.62 per week (£20,000 a year) if you’re single and your children live with you

  • £257.69 per week (£13,400 a year) if you’re single and you don’t have children, or your children don’t live with you.

Income used in Calculation

Below is a list of the income that will be used in the calculation for a benefit cap:

  • Out-of-work benefits (Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance, except where the Support Component is in payment)

  • Housing Benefit

  • Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit

  • Universal Credit

  • Other benefits such as Maternity Allowance.

Where a member of the household is receiving the income detailed below then they will not be subject to the cap and can potentially claim an amount above these levels. These incomes are:

The Benefit Cap Calculator  can be used to find out if the benefit cap will affect you.

Get help

For Universal Credit Telephone: 0345 600 0723, Textphone: 0345 600 0743 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

For any other benefits Telephone: 0345 605 7064, Textphone: 0345 608 8551 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.