Backdated benefit

Reasons for backdated benefits

• You have been seriously ill or in hospital meaning you could not physically make a claim for benefit
• You were given incorrect advice by Jobcentre Plus or the Department for Works and Pension
• You have difficulty with reading and writing and there is no help available to you

Please note each case has to be judged on an individual basis.

If you have already sent in your benefit application form and decide afterwards that you want to ask for your benefit to be backdated, please complete our online backdated benefit form providing your reasons.

How to claim backdated benefits

If you would like to make a claim for backdated benefits, you can complete our online backdated benefit form.

Complete online backdated benefit form

You can also download and print out the Backdated benefits request form (PDF) [232KB] and return it to the address provided on the form.

Housing Benefit

Your benefit will normally start from either the date you moved into your property or the Monday after we receive your completed claim form.

If you or your partner are of pension credit age, we can automatically backdate your claim for up to three months from the date you apply, providing your circumstances mean you would have qualified earlier.

If you are of working age you can ask for your claim to be backdated for up to 1 month. You must ask for this in writing and have good reason for not having made a claim before. If you did not apply because you were ill, a letter from your doctor would help to support your request.

You must tell us as soon as possible if you want your claim backdating. Space is available on the online backdated benefit form for you to give good reason and ask to have your claim backdated.

Council Tax Support

People of pension credit age

Your Council Tax Reduction claim will normally start from either the date you moved in to your property or the Monday after we receive your completed claim form.

If you or your partner are of pension credit age, we can automatically backdate your claim for up to three months from the date you apply, providing your circumstances mean you would have qualified earlier.

People of working age

Your Council Tax Support claim will normally start from either the date you moved in to your property or the Monday after we get your completed form.

If you are of working age you can ask for your claim to be backdated. You must ask for this in writing and have good reason for not having made a claim before. If you did not apply because you were ill, a letter from your doctor would help to support your request.

If your claim is not backdated, you have the right to ask for a revision against the decision. See our Benefit appeals page for more information.