Service FAQ questions |

main content Housing Benefit and Council Tax - backdating

What is backdating?

If you qualify for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit we normally award it from the first Monday after you make your claim.

Sometimes we can pay benefit for a period before the date you claimed. This is called "backdating".

How long can my claim be backdated for?

A claim can only be backdated for a maximum of 52 weeks from the date we receive your written request for backdated benefit.

In order for a claim to be backdated we must be satisfied that:

you have shown "good cause" for failing to claim earlier, and
that "good cause" existed continuously during the period for which backdating is being requested.
You will need to show continuous good cause for not claiming earlier and we must be satisfied that your circumstances during this time were such that any reasonable person of your age and experience would also have failed to claim benefit.

You have to prove "good cause" but we must take into account all the facts of your case.

What is "good cause"?

Some examples of good cause are if you:

• did not immediately claim benefit after leaving hospital;
• were ill and had no-one to make a claim on your behalf;
• did not understand that you could claim benefit perhaps because of age, inexperience or language difficulties; and
• have suffered a recent family bereavement.

How do I claim?

To make a backdated claim you need to:

• complete a claim form for the period you would like backdated benefit;
• supply documented proof of your income and savings for the period concerned; and
• tell us, in writing, why you have "good cause" for making a late claim.

We will then consider whether we can backdate your claim. Contact the Council Tax and Housing Benefit department to obtain a form.

What happens when I make a claim?

Your claim will be considered by a Benefits Officer. The more information and evidence you give in support of your claim, the quicker a decision can be made.

Sometimes it may be necessary to write to you for more information or we may ask you to come in to our offices for an informal interview.

Your claim will be looked at and you will be sent a letter telling you of our decision.

What happens if you refuse my claim?

If we have decided that you have not shown “good cause” and that we cannot backdate your claim, the reasons will be explained to you in our letter.

You then have the right of appeal against our decision not to backdate your claim.

For further information on how to appeal see our guidance notes how to appeal against a council tax or housing benefit decision.

Where can I get help?

You can contact the Council Tax and Housing Benefit department or other organisations for help and advice.