Backdating
Your entitlement will usually start on the Monday after we receive your application. If you would like it to start from an earlier date, you must have a good reason for not applying earlier. If you are of Working Age we can consider backdating your application for up to 1 month.
Backdated benefit can only be considered where you have been able to show that there is ‘continuous good cause’ for failing to make your claim at the appropriate time. The reasons you give must apply throughout the period which you are applying for.
If you think you have ‘good cause’ for your Housing Benefit to be awarded from an earlier date, you will need to:
- Put your backdating request in writing and send it to us
- Explain the reason for the delay in making your claim
If you have reached State Pension Credit qualifying age, then we will automatically consider a backdate request of up to 3 months from the date your application is received (provided you were liable to pay Council Tax during that period). If you reach State Pension Credit qualifying age within that period it will only be paid from then. This will only go back as far as the date you reached State Pension Credit age, the date you became liable for the rent or 3 months, whichever is the shorter. Pension age claimants are not required to provide reasons for not applying sooner.