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Benefits - Backdating
Benefits - Backdating
Housing and Council Tax Benefit normally starts from the Monday after we get your claim form. Sometimes we can pay benefit from an earlier date if you have a good reason for not claiming earlier. If you want us to consider paying you benefit from an earlier date, please tell us:
- when you want benefit paid from and
- why you did not claim earlier
You must do this in writing. You will usually need to give us other information to support your request for backdating, such as a letter from your doctor or support worker. The proof you give us will need to explain why you could not contact us to help you make a claim earlier.
Please note that backdating is discretionary and the Council may refuse your request. If so you have the right of appeal. There is a limit on backdating of 6 months prior to the date of request, and a maximum of 3 months for pensioers.
Example
Mr Smith is 45 years old. He gave us his claim form on 6 January 2012, and his claim was paid from 09 January 2012. On 6 January 2012 Mr Smith asked us for backdating for the period 1 April 2011 to 5 January 2012. The period 1 April 2011 to 5 July 2011 is out of time and cannot be awarded. The Council could award benefit for the period 6 July 2011 to 5 January 2012 if it believes Mr Smith had a good reason (for the whole period) for not making the claim earlier.