The benefit cap is a limit on the total amount of benefit you can receive. It applies to most people aged 16 or over who have not yet reached State Pension age.
The Benefit Cap increased in April 2023, the rates are:
Please note the cap will NOT affect you if any of the below apply:
What incoming benefits does the cap take into account?
The following benefits taken into account include:
Who could be exempt?
The cap will not apply if you, your partner or any children you are responsible for have been awarded any of the following:
What does this mean to me?
You must pay the amount of rent or service charge that is not covered by Universal Credit or Housing Benefit direct to Saxon Weald. Rent and service charges are priority outgoings and an important bill to pay first. Remember, your home is at risk if you do not pay your rent and/or service charges.
How will I know if the cap affects me?
The Department for Works & Pensions will advise you if you are affected by the Benefit Cap and the amount of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit you will lose. To calculate how the Benefit Cap will affect you head to: www.gov.uk/benefit-cap-calculator.
If you are not entitled to one of the exemption benefits, you must find a job.
Please contact your work coach at Jobcentre Plus, who will help you look for work and help you get the skills you need to find a job. They can also support you to manage your money better and look at options for child care.
What help is available?
You can contact our Money Matters team for further advice at [email protected].
They may also be able to help you apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment, to cover a proportion of the amount of rent no longer being covered by Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. Please be aware that each application is considered on its own merit and even if an award is made, this will only offer temporary assistance.
