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 52 weeks prior to the date of request.
Example
Mr Smith gave us his claim form on 7 February 2007, and his claim was paid from 12 February 2007. On 7 February 2007 Mr Smith asked us for backdating for the period 1 November 2005 to 11 February 2007. The period 1 Novermber 2005 to 11 February 2006 is out of time and cannot be awarded. The Council could award benefit for the period 12 February 2006 to 11 February 2007 if it believes Mr Smith had a good reason (for the whole period) for not making the claim earlier.