The Benefit Cap limits the amount a working age person can get from welfare benefits. This means that your total income from welfare benefits cannot exceed the weekly cap.

How much is the Benefit Cap?

If you’re getting Housing Benefit, the cap for properties in Hertsmere is:

  • £283.71 a week if you’re a single person without children
  • £423.46 a week if you’re a couple or are single and have children
  • There is a different cap for properties in Greater London. If you think this may apply to your property you can use the benefit cap calculator to find out how much your benefit might be capped.

What Welfare Benefits are included in the Benefit Cap calculation?

The benefit cap calculation includes the following benefits:

  • Bereavement Allowance
  • Child Benefit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Employment and Support Allowance (unless you are in the support group)
  • Housing Benefit
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Maternity Allowance
  • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • Widowed Parent’s Allowance (or Widowed Mother’s Allowance or Widow’s Pension if you started getting it before 9 April 2001)
  • Universal Credit

Does the Benefit Cap apply to me?

You are not affected by the Benefit Cap if:

  • You or your partner are of pensionable age
  • You live in Supported Exempt Accommodation 

You are also not affected by the benefit cap if you, your partner or any children under the age of 18 living with you are in receipt of any of the following benefits:

  • Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
  • Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Carer's Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Employment and Support Allowance (Support Component)
  • Guardian's Allowance
  • Industrial Injuries Benefit
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • War pensions
  • War Widow's or Widower's Pension
  • Working Tax Credit