The benefit cap -
- applies if you have not reached the qualifying age for state pension credit
- is a limit on the total amount of benefit you can receive when you are not working
It is worked out by adding together income from benefits. Where the total exceeds £423.46 per week for lone parents or couples with or without children, or £283.71 per week for single adults, Housing Benefit is capped and reduced by the excess amount.
Find our more information on the benefit cap.
Social sector size criteria known as the bedroom tax
Housing Benefit, for a person who rents their home from the council or a housing association, is reduced if there are more bedrooms in your home than your household needs.
- if you have one spare bedroom, your eligible rent is reduced by 14%
- if you have 2 or more spare bedrooms, your eligible rent is reduced by 25%
If you would like to know how much benefit you may be able to receive or help with budgeting, visit our benefit calculator and budgeting tools.
Under Occupancy charges
If you believe Under Occupancy has been applied incorrectly to your claim, contact the Housing Benefit service. Provide full details as to why you believe this is incorrect and confirm all residents living in your current household.
If you have an overnight carer, we may be able to include an extra bedroom as part of your claim. You will need to provide any supporting evidence when advising us of this information.
If someone has moved into your property and you wish to report this change, our changes you need to tell us about page has more information.
If you have an issue with your tenancy, such as there are not as many bedrooms in the property as stated in your Tenancy Agreement, you need to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau. They will be able to provide you with further support. The Housing Benefit service can only use the amount of bedrooms stated on your Tenancy Agreement when assessing your claim.