If you think your claim should have started earlier then you can
tell us on Part 14 of the application form or by writing to the
Benefits Team. You must tell us when you think your claim should
start from and reasons why you did not apply at the time - this is
known as good cause. You must also give us proof of all your
circumstances for the period you want a backdate to be
considered.
Pension age claimants
Claimants of Pension Age who are not in receipt of Working Age
Benefits may have their claim assessed from three months prior to
the date of their application. This applies to claims for Housing
and/or Council Tax Benefit made on or after 6 October 2008.
Working age claimants
Claimants of Working age may have their claim backdated for a
maximum period of six months prior to the date of their
application. This applies to claims for Housing and/or Council Tax
Benefit made on or after 6 October 2008.
Good Cause
Each case will be considered on its own merits and by taking into
account the following:
- claimant’s life experience, age, and their circumstances
- claimant’s health
- claimant’s control over provision of information required to
support claim, eg delay by employer, Jobcentre Plus, GP, etc
- household or other factors that affect the claimant’s ability
to claim
- awareness of current backdating rules in place since 6 October
2008
- claimant’s nationality and length of residence in Great
Britain
- postal delays or other Royal Mail related problems
- misleading information from any source, eg charities, Citizens
Advice Bureau, local authority, Government, etc
The list of factors to be considered in determining good cause
is not exhaustive, therefore all information provided must be taken
into account.
Evidence of all income and capital, and any household changes must
be provided in order for an award to be assessed. If a claimant has
good cause but all evidence required cannot be provided by them
then an award cannot be made.