Backdating your benefit claim

From 6 October 2008 the backdating rules for Housing and Council Tax Benefit have changed.

• If you are over 60 you may be able to have Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit awarded from up to 3 months before you made your claim. If we have not already worked out your benefit from 3 months before your claim date, please follow the instructions below.
  
• If you are under 60 you may be able to get your Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit claim backdated for up to 6 months. You will need to have had a good reason for not making your claim earlier. This reason must last through the whole of the period you want to claim backdated benefit for.
  
• If you are a man aged 60 to 64 and you do not receive Pension Credit, you will fit into the 6 month group and will need to have a good reason for not claiming sooner.

The easiest way to request a backdating is to use our online form, on the right, which will be sent directly to us.  Alternatively, you can print the completed form, sign and return to us.