Backdating Claims   

As mentioned above Benefits starts from the Monday following the date the claim is received in our offices or Department of Works and Pension. In special circumstances we may be able to pay your benefit from an earlier date than you have claimed for.

If you like to apply for backdate, you can either complete section 16 of Housing and Council Tax benefit application form or send a letter explaining the reasons why you failed to apply earlier and the period you want the claim to be backdated.

Each request is looked at individually and awarded if you can show “good cause” for not applying earlier. Benefit regulations state that benefit can be backdated up to a maximum of 52 weeks if continuous good cause has been shown.