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Our online Council Tax services

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Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction - backdated claims

What is a backdated claim?

A backdated claim is where Housing Benefit/Council Tax Reduction is awarded for a period before someone’s date of application.

  • Claimants of pension age may have their claim assessed from three months prior to the date of their application.
  • Claimants of working age may have their claim backdated for up to one month before the date of their application.

Good cause

The council needs to be satisfied that a person can show what is known as 'good cause' for not applying earlier. Each case will be considered on its own merits and by taking into account factors such as:

  • Health of the claimant.
  • The claimant being advised by someone in authority, such as the Department for Work and Pensions or local authority, that they would not be entitled to Housing Benefit /Council Tax Reduction.
  • The claimant having good reason for not believing they could claim.
  • External factors which prevented the claimant from making a claim such as a postal strike, imprisonment.

This list is not exhaustive and all information provided will be taken into account.

For more information on whether you may be entitled to a backdated award contact our Council Tax and Benefits Call Centre using the contact details shown.

Benefits Call Centre

Benefits and Revenue Services PO Box 3591, Glasgow, G73 9ED

Phone: 0303 123 1011
Email: Benefits Call Centre