Backdated claims

Council Tax Benefit award dates

Council Tax Benefit is normally awarded from the Monday after the day you claim.

Awarding benefit from an earlier date

We can backdate your benefit for up to 52 weeks in certain circumstances. But you must have a good reason for not claiming earlier.

What is a good reason?

We look at things like your health, any family problems you have had and language problems (for example, if English is not your first language). We may also think you have a good reason for not claiming earlier if you have been given wrong advice by someone who should have known better. This would include staff from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, the Benefits Agency or our office. If you forgot to claim, or didn’t realise you could claim, this would not be a good reason. We can only backdate your benefit if your reasons for not claiming earlier lasted until you did claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I claim backdated council tax and housing benefit?
A: You must apply to us in writing if you want your housing or council tax benefit backdated. Depending on what you tell us, we will ask for supporting evidence, such as a letter from your doctor if you are/were ill. We also look at things like your health, any family problems you have had and language problems (for example, if English is not your first language). If you forgot to claim, or didn’t realise you could claim, these would not be good reasons. We can only backdate your benefit if your reason(s) for not claiming lasted until you did claim.
Q: How far back can backdated housing benefit and council tax benefit be paid?
A: We can backdate a housing benefit and council tax benefit claim for up to 52 weeks, counting back from the date we receive a written request from you, explaining why you haven't applied for benefit up to now.
Q: What do I need to show in order to have my housing and council tax benefits backdated?
A: We only backdate your housing and council tax benefit if you are able to provide a good reason why you did not claim the money at the time. Your reason needs to be supported by official evidence: for example, if you have been ill and unable to put in an application, we would need a letter from your doctor.