Between April and September 2013, the government is introducing a benefit cap on the overall amount of benefit that working age households can receive.

Pensioner age households and disability allowance recipients will be exempt from the benefit cap.

At present, the government has not confirmed exactly when the cap will affect Southwark residents. However we know the cap will apply as follows:

• For couples, families and lone parents the total amount you can receive from one or more benefits is £500 per week.
• For single people the total amount is £350 per week.

if you are receiving more than the amount above, your housing benefit will be reduced to bring your total benefit income down to the benefit cap level.

To find our if you are likely to be affected by the benefit cap and for advice on how you can protect yourself from a reduction in benefit.

for more information visit www.southwark.gov.uk/welfarereform