Housing benefit
Your benefit will normally start from either the date you moved in to your property or the Monday after we get your completed claim form.
If you or your partner of pension credit age, we can automatically backdate your claim for up to three months from the date you apply, providing your circumstances mean you would have qualified earlier.
If you are of working age you can ask for your claim to be backdated for up to 1 month. You must ask for this in writing and have good reason for not having made a claim before. If you did not apply because you were ill, a letter from your doctor would help to support your request.
You must tell us as soon as possible if you want your claim backdating. There is space on the online form for you to ask to have your claim backdated and give your reasons. If you have already sent in your form and decide afterwards that you want to ask for your benefit to be backdated, you can send in a letter asking for this and giving your reasons.
Council Tax Reduction
People of pension credit age
Your Council Tax Reduction will usually start from the date you move in and become liable for Council Tax or the Monday after we receive your completed application, depending on your circumstances.
If you or your partner are of pension credit age we can automatically backdate your claim for up to three months from the date you apply, providing your circumstances mean you would have qualified earlier. Details are set out in our Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
People of working age
Your Council Tax Reduction will usually start from the date you move in and become liable for Council Tax or the Monday after we receive your completed application, depending on your circumstances.
In some cases, we may treat your claim as made from an earlier date. This can apply if you contact us to make a claim or if your claim is linked to another benefit, such as Universal Credit, within the allowed time limits. Details are set out in our Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
If you are of working age, we do not normally award Council Tax Reduction for any period before your claim date outside these rules. You should apply as soon as possible so that you do not miss out.