The backdated benefit is paid for a period prior to the date that an application form is received.
Working age claimants can apply for up to one month from the date we received the request. However, you must prove that there was a good reason why you did not apply for the benefit at the time for it to be awarded.
If you have reached the qualifying age for state pension credits your claim may cover any period in the three months before the day your claim was received. You do not need to apply for this or explain why you did not apply sooner unless you are receiving Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance. We look out for claims we can backdate, but please let us know if you think we should have backdated your claim.
Some examples of good reasons for requesting a backdate in benefits are:
- you could not have immediately claimed as you were in or just leaving hospital
- you have been ill and no one could make a claim on your behalf
- you received the wrong advice from the Benefits Service, Jobcentre Plus, Citizens Advice Bureau or another official body
- you did not understand that you could claim due to your age, health, inexperience or language difficulties
- you are unable to manage your affairs but you do not have an appointee
In most circumstances, we may ask you to provide evidence, for example, if you were ill, we may need to see a letter from your doctor confirming this.