Benefits and support The benefit cap

The benefit cap and older people

The benefit cap is aimed at 'working age' people. It does not apply if you or your partner have reached the qualifying age for state pension credit. This is increasing in stages from 60 to 66, in line with the state pension age for women.

Use the government's state pension calculator to see if you have reached the relevant age: www.gov.uk/calculate-state-pension

Look at the date you may be entitled to pension credit, not the date you reach State Pension age.

If you or your partner get Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Universal Credit, you still count as 'working age' and the benefit cap applies.

 

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