In most cases your claim will start from the Monday following the date you submit your claim, however, you can ask us to start your claim from an earlier date; this is called a backdate.

If you are 18 or above

Your claim can be backdated to 1 month for Housing Benefit or 28 days for Council Tax Benefit.

This will only be permitted if ‘good cause’ is established, meaning that you had a good reason for not making your claim from an earlier date.

You can ask for a backdate after your claim has been accepted, you must do this within 1 month for Housing Benefit claims and 28 days for Council Tax Reduction claims.

If you are pensionable age

If you are of pensionable age you can backdate both Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction for up to 3 months. There is no requirement to provide ‘good cause’ for the delay in your claim.

Get in touch 

Your claim is important. You don’t have to do this alone. 

To arrange an appointment please call 0121 558 7691 or contact us through our enquiry form.