On November 7th the government is lowering the benefit cap – the amount of benefit that a household can have. It applies to people of working age who receive housing benefit or universal credit. For people outside of London the current cap of £500 per week for single parents or couples with will be reduced to £384.62. For single people it will be cut from £350 to £257.69 a week. There are lots of exemptions. Below is a link to the Shelter website where they explain all the detail. Have a look here to check whether you are affected.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/changes_to_housing_benefit/benefit_cap

If you are affected remember that you can claim a Discretionary Housing Payment from the Council. People in Swindon can download a DHP form here:

http://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20013/benefits_and_swindon_money_matters/40/discretionary_housing_payments