Frequently Asked Questions

If you claim is successful, we usually pay benefit from the Monday following the date we receive your claim form. There are a number of exceptions to this rule:

• If you are of pensionable age, we can automatically backdate your claim up to three months before you submitted the form. Certain conditions apply. Please see Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for older people for further details. 
• If you submit your claim form in the same week that a new rental or council tax liability starts, we can pay your claim from the day your liability began. 
• If you receive any of the following benefits: Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based) or Employment Support Allowance (Income Related) and you submit your claim within one month of a new rental or council tax liability, we can pay your claim from the day the liability began. 
• If you are awarded one of the passported benefits mentioned above and make a new claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit within one month, we can pay your claim from the Monday following the day you became entitled to that benefit.

In some circumstances we are able to award backdated benefit. See the FAQ Can my claim be backdated?