A new benefits cap will lead to a direct increase in homelessness in Scotland, charities have warned.

The cap, which was introduced on Monday, sets an upper limit to the amount of benefits working-age people can claim.

It means families can claim no more than £20,000 a year - down from £26,000.

Research conducted by Chartered Institute for Housing (CIH) suggests families stand to lose up to £115 each week, with more than 300,000 children living in households set to be affected.

Terrie Alafat, chief executive of CIH, went on to express fears families could end up on the streets as a result of the cap.

She said: "The results of our research are extremely worrying. It shows that the reduction in total benefits is going to hit some of the most vulnerable families.

"In many cases [families] will straight away face a substantial gap between their rent and the help they receive to pay for their housing.

"Worryingly, our analysis shows many families could be one redundancy or a period of ill health away from being in this situation."

Housing charity Shelter Scotland were equally concerned about the knock-on effect the cap would have, saying the decision could push families over the edge financially.

The charity's head of policy Adam Lang said: "It is hard to see how [the benefits cap] will not result in an increase in the number of families falling into arrears and being at risk of homelessness.

"We urge the Department for Work and Pensions to rethink the benefit cap."

The Scottish Government's consultation on the devolution of social security powers, including some of those affected by the cap, ended earlier this month but the transfer of powers is likely to take between one to two years.

Social security minister Jeane Freeman said the changes will only serve to "push more and more people into poverty".

She said: "The Scottish Government has repeatedly made clear our serious concerns about the six-fold increase in the number of households affected by the UK Government's benefit cap.

"This is yet another cut from the UK Government which will have the hardest effect on low-income families with children.

"The cumulative impact of changes to benefits and tax credits over the last few years is a considerable burden on those least able to afford it and continues to push more and more people into poverty at the very time we want to lift people out of poverty.

"We will continue to express our considerable concerns to the UK Government."

Responding to criticism of the cap, a DWP spokesman claimed as little as 5000 Scottish households will be hit by the cap, reiterating work was the "best route out of poverty".

A spokeswoman said: "We are committed to helping lone parents into a job which fits in around their caring responsibilities, which is why we are doubling the amount of free childcare available.

"We know that work is the best route out of poverty, and there are now record numbers of lone parents in work.

"The benefit cap provides a clear incentive to move into a job, even if it is part time, as anyone eligible for working tax credits is exempt."