What is the Benefit Cap?

The Benefit Cap was introduced in Northern Ireland in May 2016. This restricts the amount of money a person or family can receive on certain benefits.    

Who is exempt?

• Single people or couples who are of pension age
• Households where one or more members receive Working Tax Credit
• Households where at least one member receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Constant Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payments
• War widows and widowers
• Households where you, your partner or a dependent child receive Carers Allowance or Guardians Allowance
• People receiving Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

What is the cap?

• £384.62 per week for lone parents or couples (with or without children) 
• £257.69 per week for single claimants.

Which benefits are included?

• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income Support
• Employment and Support Allowance 
• Housing Benefit 
• Child Benefit
• Child Tax Credit
• Universal Credit