What are 'good reasons' for requesting backdating and what else do you need to tell us?
These are some examples of 'good reasons'. This is not a full list:
- You were so ill (physically or mentally) or unable to act for some other reason, that you could not make a claim or ask someone else to claim for you.
- You were given bad or wrong advice about benefit by someone whom you should have been able to rely on to give you correct information, such as the Council, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or an advice agency.
- You had good reasons to believe you couldn't claim, amounting to more than just not thinking or not caring.
- There was something over which you had no control that prevented you from making a claim.
You must show that you had good reasons throughout the period - It doesn't have to be the same reason for the whole time.
You must explain your reasons and give evidence to support them.
You also need to tell us
- The date you want us to start your benefit from.
- Details and evidence of your income for the backdated period.
- Details of anyone who lived with you at that time.
You will be asked about backdating when you make your online claim.
If you have already claimed you can ask us separately, in writing. You must sign your request. Write to the Benefits Service, PO Box 3, Manchester, M15 5BA. Or you can make an appointment to speak to an advisor who will take details of your request.
If we refuse to backdate your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support you can appeal against our decision .