Backdating Your Claim
Should your application for Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit be successful, your entitlement will usually commence from the Monday after you first asked us for an application. However, in some circumstances, your entitlement may commence from an earlier or later date.
If you would like us to consider your entitlement from a date prior to when you first requested an application form, you can submit a formal written request for a backdated award of Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit - up to a maximum potential backdated period of 52 weeks prior to the date of written request.
How to Request Backdated Housing and Council Tax Benefit
A request for Backdated Housing and Council Tax Benefit must be made in writing. This request is normally, but does not have to be, made when you apply for Housing and Council Tax Benefit.
Your application form contains a section which allows you to request a Backdated award. You must clearly state the date that you wish for your entitlement to be considered from and you must state clearly your reasons why you did not claim sooner.
If you have already submitted an application for Housing and Council Tax Benefit, but you would now like us to consider your entitlement from an earlier date, you can submit a written request for this. Again, you must clearly state the date that you wish for your entitlement to be considered from and you must state clearly your reasons why you did not claim sooner.
With all written requests, we will require to see documentary evidence to support the reasons why you did not claim sooner.
Remember - a backdated award of Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit can only be granted for a maximum of 52 weeks prior to written request being received in our office.
Aged 60 or Over?
If you are aged 60 or over, your entitlement may commence from an earlier date - without the need for requesting a backdated award. Click on this link for more information.
Further Information, Advice and Assistance
Further information, advice and assistance regarding any aspect of Housing or Council Tax Benefits or other Government Welfare Initiatives.
