Backdated claims

If you are under state pension age, we may be able to backdate your claim for housing benefit up to one month from the date of receiving your claim.

If you are state pension age or older, we may be able to treat your claim as if you had made a claim 3 months earlier.

How to request backdated benefit

You can request backdated benefit when you make your new claim. Please include:

• the date you would like your claim to start from
• the reason you did not apply earlier
• any supporting information or evidence for your reason

You will need to supply documentary proof of your income and savings for the period you are asking your claim to be backdated.  

What happens next

We will look at your request and decide whether your reasons meet the criteria for backdating. You will receive a written decision.

If we need more information to make a decision, we may contact you. The more details and evidence you provide, the quicker we can process your request.

What if we decide not to backdate your housing benefit

If we decide not to backdate your housing benefit, we will explain why in writing. If you disagree with our decision, you can:

• ask for an explanation 
• ask us to look at the decision again
• appeal against the decision

You can request a review or an appeal of our decision by completing the online appeal form within one month of the date of this letter. Please tell us which decision you are unhappy with and explain why.