The cap was introduced in July 2013 and is applied to the combined income from the main out-of-work benefits, plus child benefit and child tax credits for people of working age only.
From July 2013 to 31 March 2016 the cap was:
- £500 p/wk for couples and lone parents
- £350 p/wk for single adults
From 7th November 2016 the DWP have reduced the cap to:
- £384.62 p/wk for couples and lone parents
- £257.69 p/wk for single adults
The DWP have updated their benefit cap calculator which you can use to see how you may be affected.
From 1st April 2023
The new rates from 1ST April will be £423.46 for Couples and £283.71 for Singles.
More information on the Benefit Cap can be found in our fact sheet below.
Further help on budgeting for these changes can be obtained from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Are you thinking of going back to work?
For advice on the benefits that may be available if you return to work please click on the leaflet below.