Housing Benefit and Backdating Your Claim
How we provide this service
If there has been a reason which stopped or delayed you applying for housing benefit you can ask for your claim to be 'backdated' so that it starts from an earlier date. Information about backdating housing benefit is supported by Finance, Benefits and Revenues.
If we can backdate your claim, we will need evidence to support your claim if you have not already provided it. This will include proof of your income for the entire period of backdating as well as details of who was living with you at the time. Evidence of your rent will also be needed. We will write to you if we need any evidence you have not provided.
Fax: 01775 711253
Email: benefits@sholland.gov.uk
Address: South Holland District Council, Benefit and Revenues Team, PO Box 8, Priory Road, Spalding, Lincs. PE11 2XQ
What to do to get this service
You should either;
- complete part 14 of the benefit claim form (PDF) if you want your new claim to start from an earlier date. Or;
- complete a backdating benefit request form (PDF).
You can only ask for a backdate of housing benefit if there is a reason why you were unable to apply for your benefit earlier. You should tell us the date you want to claim from and reasons why you could not claim at the right time.
For more information, see the Backdating Policy (PDF).
Who can apply?
Anyone who has to pay rent and is entitled to benefit can request backdating.
Contact Name for this service
Jo Shinkin, Benefits Specialist
Telephone number for this service
01775 761161
Links to forms, leaflets and websites providing more information
Benefit claim form (PDF)
Backdating Benefit Request form (PDF)
Backdating Policy (PDF)
Common Questions
Q. What will the council look at when making a backdated decision?
A. We will look at things like the reasons you give, age, health, experience of claiming benefits in the past, information you have received or could have received. Each case is decided on its merit, we will decide if the delay is reasonable having regard to all of these things.
Q. What are the rules on backdating Housing Benefit?
A. In order for a backdate of Housing Benefit to be allowed you will have to show 'good cause' why you did not apply earlier. There is no formal definition of 'good cause', each case will be decided according to its own individual situation. The law limits how far we can backdate your claim. If you are Pension Credit age (60+) the limit is 3 months, if you are working age it's 6 months from the date you ask us to consider backdating your claim. If you are a man aged 60-64 the following rules apply:
- If you (or your partner) are in receipt of Income Support or income based Job Seekers' Allowance the limit is 6 months.
- If you are claiming pension credit the limit is 3 months.
Q. What sort of evidence will I need to provide?
A. If you say claiming that ill health prevented you from making a claim at the right time, we may ask you for medical evidence in support of your request. If we need this we will write and ask you for it.
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Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
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Council Tax Benefit Changes In Circumstances
Council Tax Benefit Overpayments
Council Tax Benefit Renewal of Claim
Housing Benefit Appeals
Housing Benefit Changes in Circumstances
Housing Benefit Overpayments
Housing Benefit Renewal of Claim
