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The benefit cap

Personal SavingsA benefit cap is a limit on the amount you can claim in benefits. This was introduced in April 2013 in England, Wales and Scotland. It has yet to be introduced in Northern Ireland.  

This benefit cap affects the following benefits:

  • Bereavement Allowance
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Child Benefit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Guardians Allowance
  • Housing Benefit
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Jobseekers Allowance
  • Maternity Allowance
  • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • Widowed Parent’s Allowance

This cap operates in different ways depending on you or your family’s circumstances. Couples with or without children living with them and single parents whose children do live with them will receive a maximum of £500 per week.  

If you are an independent adult who does not have children or have children do not live with you, you can receive a maximum of £350 a week. You can work out if you will be subject to a benefit cap with the GOV.UK calculator. 

The benefit cap will not be applied for 39 weeks if you have recently become unemployed. 

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