Frequently Asked Questions

If you qualify for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, we usually pay it from the Monday after we receive your claim. For people under 60 we can sometimes pay benefit before the date you claim by up to six months, but there has to be a continuous good cause as to why your claim was submitted late. A request for backdated benefit must be put in writing.

Examples of when you may have 'good cause':

• You did not immediately claim Housing or Council Tax Benefit after leaving hospital.
• You were ill and could not make a claim and could not ask anyone to make the claim on your behalf.

If you wish to request backdating and feel you have good cause for the delay in making your claim, you should put your request in writing as soon as you can. If you delay and you do not have good reason for the delay, we may not be able to pay you backdated benefit.

We may ask you for further information and evidence to support your claim. Contact us if you are unsure about claiming or if you have any questions.