Housing Benefit

We normally pay Housing Benefit from the Monday after the day you make your claim. We rarely make backdated payments.

There are some reasons why we may make an exception and pay a backdated claim:

• The death of a close relative
• Being in hospital or seriously ill
• Language difficulties
• Being given wrong advice by a member of staff from the Borough Council, Department for Work and Pensions, Citizens Advice or a social worker

If you are completing a new application and require a backdated payment, please indicate this on your application form.

If you have already applied and require a backdated payment - and you feel your reasons meet the criteria - complete our backdated benefit application form.