Backdates and Appeals

Backdates

  • Housing and Council Tax Benefit is usually paid from the Monday after we receive your form. 
  • In certain circumstances we can backdate your claim for up to 6 months before this date,  however for us to do this you must be able to show good reasons throughout the whole of the period being requested for not claiming earlier (for example: you were too ill to claim or an advice agency gave you the wrong advice)

People Over 60 Years of Age

  • For people over 60, the claim can cover any period for the 3 months before the claim is actually received. 
  • For men aged 60 to 64 still in receipt of Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance Income Based this can cover any period for the 6 months before the claim is actually received.

In both cases this can only be back to their 60th birthday or the date Rent and/or Council Tax liability commenced if this date is later.  This applies in all cases without the claimant having to ask for it.  This is not the same as backdating. 

Appeals

  • If you are unhappy with any decisions we have made about your claim, you can ask us to look at these again, or you can make an appeal to Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunal Service. 
  • If you want us to look at our decision again, or if you want to appeal, you must write to us within one month of the date you received our decision, clearly stating why you disagree with our decision.  
  • Once your claim has been looked at again, we will write to you and tell you if we can change our decision.