For your claim to be backdated we must be satisfied that you have a good reason for failing to claim earlier. For example:
- if you were ill and had no-one to make a claim on your behalf
- if you did not understand that you could claim benefit, perhaps because of age, inexperience or language difficulties
- if you have suffered a recent family bereavement
A claim can only be backdated for a maximum of 52 weeks from the date of your claim for backdated benefit.
What happens when you make a backdated claim
Your claim will be considered by a benefits officer. The more information and evidence you give in support of your claim the quicker a decision can be made.
Sometimes we may need to write to you for more information or to ask you to come in for an informal interview.
If we decide we cannot backdate your claim we will explain why, the reasons for our decision will be explained in a letter. You will then have the right of appeal against our decision not to backdate your claim.