There’s a limit on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can receive. This is called the Benefit Cap.

We're offering advice and support for people affected by the Benefit Cap. You can discuss your options and we can help you take steps to deal with the reduction in your benefit if it is capped.

To make an appointment to discuss your circumstances and the options available to you, contact the Welfare Reform Team on 020 8724 2115 and at welfarereform@lbbd.gov.uk

Avoiding the benefit cap

The best way of avoiding the Benefit Cap is to get into work, or increase your hours of work, so that you qualify for Working Tax Credit.

You must be 16 or over to qualify for Working Tax Credit, or 25 or over if you don’t have children or you don’t have a disability. You may also need to consider one of these options:

• apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment
• check if you are entitled to any of the benefits which exempt you from the Benefit Cap
• make up the shortfall in your rent using other income or savings, or reducing your expenditure
• moving into cheaper accommodation or negotiating a rent reduction with your landlord
• if you or your partner get work (employed or self-employed), or increase your hours of work so that you qualify for Working Tax Credit, even if your entitlement to Working Tax Credit is nil, you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap

You should also consider whether your circumstances are likely to change shortly. For example, if your child will soon be treated as a non-dependant your benefits may go down, which may bring you under the Benefit Cap limit. Also, if you’re expecting a baby your benefits may go up, which could push you over the Benefit Cap limit.

Information on the benefit cap on GOV.UK