The benefit cap
The benefit cap summary
There’s a limit on the total amount of benefit that most working age people can get. This is called the benefit cap.
If your housing benefit has been capped you may have to use money from your other benefits to pay some or all of your rent.
The benefit cap applies to the combined income of:
- Out of work benefits such as jobseeker's allowance, income support and employment and support allowance
- Housing benefit
- Universal credit
- Other benefits such as incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, bereavement allowance, widowed parent's allowance, and maternity allowance
How much is the benefit cap?
- £423.46 per week for couples and couples with children
- £423.46 per week for single parents whose children live with them
- £283.71 per week for single adults who do not have children, or whose children do not live with them
The amount of housing benefit that you receive each week will be reduced to the cap amount. If you don't receive enough housing benefit to have it reduced to the cap amount then you will be paid a nominal amount of 50 pence each week.
You can use the benefit cap calculator (GOV.UK) to find out how the benefit cap will affect you.
Last updated: 23/07/2025 11:06
