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Backdating Of Housing and Council Tax Benefit

Top View the questions on backdating of Housing and Council Tax Benefits which will link to the appropriate answers. Use the 'Back to Top' links to return to the top of the page.

• Can benefit be backdated?
• How far back can benefit be backdated to?
• How do I claim for/request backdated benefit?
• What would be a good reason for requesting backdated benefit?
• When do I have to make the request/claim?
• Do I have to provide any other information with my claim/request?
• How much will I get?
• How will it be paid?
• Can anyone else make a claim/request on my behalf?
• How will I be notified of the decision?
• Can I appeal against the decision?

OneCan benefit be backdated?
Yes in certain circumstances. You must have a good reason for not making a claim for benefit at an earlier date and you must be able to show this continuously throughout the period you are asking for the backdate to cover.

Note: If a claimant or partner is aged 60 or over there is an automatic entitlement to have benefit backdated for a period of 3 months. A claim will cover any period in the 3 months before the claim is actually received, but only back to the 60th birthday, or the day they became liable for rent or Council Tax if later.
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TwoHow far back can benefit be backdated to?
For up to 6 months for working age customers under 60 years old. It cannot be backdated more than 6 months before the date your written request for backdating is received. Those over 60 years will only have their claim backdated for a period of 3 months.
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ThreeHow do I claim/request backdated benefit?

• The request/claim must be made in writing.
• You can make the request on the Housing/Council Tax Benefit Application Form.
• Or you can write to the Benefits Office with your details.
• And you must explain your reason for not making a claim for benefit at an earlier date.

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FourWhat would be a good reason for requesting backdated benefit?

• If you were ill or in hospital and had no one to make a claim for you.
• The death of a close relative.
• Being wrongly advised by an official body.

Do remember that you will have to provide evidence to support your reason.
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FiveWhen do I have to make the request/claim?

• At the time you make your claim for benefit or anytime after.
• Do remember, however, that if your reasons for not making a claim earlier are accepted, we can only grant backdated benefit for up to 6 months for working age customers or 3 months for those over 60 years old before the date you make your request.

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SixDo I have to provide any information with my request/claim?

• To ensure your request is given proper consideration you should provide any evidence you can in support. For example: if you had a medical condition, which prevented you from claiming at an earlier date, you will be asked for a medical certificate or a letter from your doctor confirming that.
• You will also need to provide proof of your income capital, etc during that time.

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SevenHow much will I get?
That will depend on your circumstances during the period of backdate.
Your entitlement will be assessed based on your circumstances and the regulations in operation during the time of the backdate period.
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EightHow will it be paid?
Exactly the same way your normal entitlement is i.e. by cheque or bank transfer (either to your Landlord or yourself depending on what has been agreed) for Housing Benefit and/or by crediting your Council Tax account direct.
You may have already paid your rent and/or council tax for the period of backdating. This could mean that your rent or council tax account may be in credit. If this were the case you would have to contact your Landlord or the Council Tax Office to arrange a refund.
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NineCan anyone else make a claim/request on my behalf?
Yes, providing they are an official appointee acting on your behalf and can provide proof or we have written authorisation from you.
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TenHow will I be notified of the decision?
You will be notified in writing. The letter will explain the reasons for the decision.
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ElevenCan I appeal against the decision?
Yes. Providing you do so in writing within one month of being notified of the decision.
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