If you can show good cause for not claiming earlier and good cause lasted throughout the period in question, housing and/or council tax benefit will be backdated.
It is up to you to prove good cause. Each case will be decided on its individual facts.
If granted, the backdate can be for up to 26 weeks from the date you request backdating, if you are under 60 years of age.
If you are aged 60 years or over, your claim can only be backdated for 13 weeks but you will not have to prove good cause.
If you would like more help please contact the benefits section.
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Links to more information
You can also visit the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) website.
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