Backdating Housing Benefit claims
If you qualify for Housing Benefit or Council Tax
Benefit it is usually paid from the Monday after we get your
claim. Sometimes benefit can be paid before the date your
claim. This is called 'backdating'.
The law says we can backdate a claim for up to:
- 6 months for working age customers, and
- 3 months for Pension Credit age customers.
How backdating affects you if you're 60-64 years old
Customers aged 60 - 64 can be classed as working age, but are
also entitled to claim Pension Credit. The following rules
apply to this group:
- Customers or their partner who get Income Support,
income-based Jobseekers Allowance or income-related
Employment Support Allowance, the six month time limit
applies
- Customers or their partner who get Pension Credit, the
three month time limit applies.
How to request backdating of benefit
Backdating requests must be made in writing, but there has to be
a good reason why your claim is late; this is known as 'good
cause'. Good cause must be continuous for the period you want
benefit backdated.
You can get help with your request for backdated benefit
from organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.
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