The law allows us to backdate your benefit for up to one month from the date you asked us to, and you must give good reason (good cause) why this should be done.

What is 'good cause'?

Some examples of good cause are:

• the death of a close relative;
• being in hospital or seriously ill;
• being wrongly advised by a person who should have known better, such as council staff, the Citizens Advice Bureau, a social worker, Department for Work and Pensions staff;
• language difficulties;
• being unable to manage your affairs and not having anyone to help you.

If you or your partner have reached pension credit age, your claim covers any period in the three months before the day the claim is actually received - but only back to the day they reached pension credit age, or the day they became liable for rent or Council Tax, if these are later.

What happens after a claim has been made?

After we have received your claim form we will reply within 14 days. If we refuse your claim for backdating, we will send you details of how to appeal.

If you have a question that is not answered here, or if you want more advice, please contact us or complete the online enquiry.