Benefit cap

The Benefit Cap was originally introduced by the Government in 2016 to limit the total amount of benefits that could be claimed by an individual, couple or family.

It was recently announced that the Government plan to reduce the level of the Benefit which this year which will impact more people. A date has not been announced for when this change will take place however the DWP have suggested it could be in Autumn this year.

The new cap is as follows:

  • Couples/families - £384.62 per week
  • Single claimants - £257.69 per week

If the total benefit amount you receive is more than the applicable amount above, the amount by which you are over the cap will be deducted from your Housing Benefit or Housing Costs. For example, if your family’s total benefit entitlement is £400, £15.38 per week will be deducted form your Housing Benefit or Housing Costs.

There are exemptions to the cap which will prevent it from being applied to you. These include if you or anyone in your family claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or Carers Allowance (CA), or if you are in the Support Group of ESA..

You will be required to pay the shortfall in your Housing Benefit (HB) or Housing Costs (HC) to River Clyde Homes. You may be able to claim Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) to help with the shortfall - our Welfare Benefits Officers can help you to apply.

Examples

“My partner & I have 3 children and we are both out of work. We claim Job Seekers Allowance and Child Tax Credit and Child Benefit for each of our children. We live in a River Clyde Homes property and receive Housing Benefit to cover the full rent of £90 per week. Will the cap affect us?"

Your income is as follows:

  • Job Seekers Allowance - £114.85 per week
  • Child Tax Credit - £170.87 per week
  • Child Benefit - £48.10 per week
  • Housing Benefit - £90.00 per week

Therefore your total income is £423.82 per week. You are £39.20 per week over the Benefit Cap therefore you will be affected when the change is introduced. You should make up this shortfall to River Clyde Homes and should contact our Welfare Benefit Officers to apply for DHP

“I am single and am currently receiving ESA in the assessment phase and PIP enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility. I also claim Housing Benefit to cover my rent charge of £65 per week. Will I be affected?”

Your income is as follows:

  • Employment & Support Allowance - £73.10 per week
  • Personal Independence Payments -  £139.75 per week
  • Housing Benefit - £60.00 per week              

Your total income is £277.85 per week. You are £20.16 per week over the Benefit Cap therefore you will be affected when the change is introduced. You should make up this shortfall to River Clyde Homes and should contact our Welfare Benefits officers to apply for DHP.