Your claim normally starts from the Monday following the date of receipt of your application form. If there is a reason why you were unable to make your claim earlier, you can ask us to consider backdating your benefit.
Who can claim backdating?
You must show ‘good cause’ and clearly state why you failed to claim at the earlier date. Your request will be decided on your individual circumstances and you should provide as much supporting information and evidence as possible.
Time limits
There are limits as to how far back we can go and these time limits start from when we receive your request for backdating.
Housing benefit and the council tax reduction scheme can be backdated:
- for up to six months if you are working age.
- for up to three months if you are pension age
What is a good reason for not applying sooner?
In order for a claim to be backdated we must be satisfied that:
- you have shown good cause to failing to claim earlier and;
- that good cause existed continuously during the period for which backdating is being requested.
Some examples of when you may have good cause are:
- you were ill and had no one to claim on your behalf
- bereavement
- you were misadvised by an official body
- disruption to the post
Applying for backdating
You can make a request for backdating at the same time as making your claim:
- by filling out Section 16 on the claim form or
- you can make a request after you have made your claim either by letter to the address on our contacts page or by email to benefits@cityoflondon.gov.uk