If you have claimed benefit, but would have claimed sooner if you could have, you can ask us to backdate your claim.
You need to ask for this in writing, showing that you had 'good cause' throughout the whole of the backdated period, as to why you were unable to claim during that time.
Each claim is considered on individual circumstances. We will consider other things which may have affected your ability to claim such as your age, health and other circumstances. When applying for this it is very important that you give us as much information as you can.
Benefit can only be backdated for a maximum period of up to 52 weeks.
What is not 'good cause'
A late claim will not be considered as having good case if you:
- did not know that you could claim benefit
- knew you could claim benefit but decided not to
- had a claim form but lost it
- had filled in a claim form but did not send it or bring it in straight away
This list is not exhaustive.
If your claim is unsuccessful
If your claim is turned down, and you disagree with the decision you can:- ask for an explanation of our decision
- ask for the decision to be looked at again
- appeal against the decision
There are time limits for asking for decisions to be looked at again and for appealing. For more details please read our page on how to appeal a benefits decision.