Benefit cap and housing costs

A benefit cap limits the amount a working age person can get in welfare benefits.  If you have received a letter stating you may be affected, you should follow the advice given in the letter.

About the cap

The cap applies to the benefits you get as a household. It includes benefits received by you, your partner and any dependent children who live with you (there are exemptions). For more information see DWP and benefit cap or contact the housing benefits team.

More help paying for rent

You can apply for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) to cover the shortfall between your benefit and rent for a limited period. You can apply if you are receiving housing benefit or housing cost element of universal credit and need further financial assistance.

Housing cost contributions (non-dependent charges)

Your housing benefit may be reduced if you have an adult living at the same address. It will be reduced to take into account their income, which can contribute towards your housing costs. 

A non-dependent is someone who normally lives with you like an adult son, daughter, relative or friend (there are exemptions e.g. people with disabilities).  You can see the standard amount deducted and find out more at:

• Government benefits
• Turn2us
• Entitledto

Our housing benefit team will give advice about how and why your household is affected by the cap and can discuss possible options for people on capped benefit.

Email: benefits@richmond.gov.uk or 020 8891 1411.