Backdated Claims

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Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit is normally awarded from the Monday following receipt of your application form by the Council.

New Rules from 6th October 2008

Benefit can be backdated for a maximum of up to 6 months from the date of receipt of a written request, but only if you can show good reason for why you didn’t apply at an earlier date and that good reason lasted for the whole of the period.

Belief in itself that you would not get any help with your rent or Council Tax costs, not knowing that help was available or simply not applying for help is not enough.

If you are in receipt of Pension Credit your benefit can be backdated for a maximum of up to 3 months, you will not need to show good cause.

How to apply

You request back dating on your benefit application form or write a letter and send it to us without delay. Attach any supporting evidence and proof of income for the period for which you are applying if it is different to what you are receiving now. If you do not supply enough information we may need to contact you.

What we will do

  1. An officer will look at your request.
  2. A decision will be made based on all the facts.
  3. You will be advised in writing of this decision.
  4. You will be informed of your right to appeal against the decision if it is decided not to backdate your claim.
  5. This appeal must be in writing and received within one calendar month of our decision notice.

OPEN Gedling

The Council is now offering a new service on its website to all residents of the Borough. It is called "OPENGedling" and you can register as a user simply by clicking here open.gedling.gov.uk.  You can also email enquiries to OPENGedling@gedling.gov.uk

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