Backdating your claim

Pension Age

If you have reached pension age we can backdate your claim up to 3 months before you made your claim (as long as you were entitled to benefit for that period). You do not need to make a request and we do not need to know why you did not claim sooner to backdate your benefit.

For us to work out how much benefit you would be entitled to, you would need to give us proof of your income, savings and rent for the period you want to claim.

Please contact us if you think your claim should start from an earlier date.

Working Age

If you are of working age benefit may be backdated for a maximum of 6 months from the date of your request. You must show good cause for the delay in making your claim. The letter we sent you awarding benefit tells you the date we have paid benefit from. If you feel benefit should be paid from an earlier date, write to us within one month of the date of the letter we sent you.

Good cause
We must be satisfied that any person of the same age, health and experiences as yourself would also have failed to claim benefit from the earlier date. This must be for the whole time you are asking for your claim to be backdated.
Not knowing you could claim would not normally be considered good cause. However, if you were in hospital, had severe health problems or a close relative has died, these may be considered good cause for the delay in claiming.

Applying for backdated benefit.
You must write to us and tell us what date you want your claim backdating to and why you delayed claiming benefit. If you prefer you may use the Backdate Request Form below. Give us as much detail as possible. The Backdating leaflet in the Web Links link gives further advice.

Help applying for backdated benefit
You can ask a family member or friend to help you write your letter but you must sign the letter or attach a letter giving them permission to deal with your request. There are also independent advice agencies which can help you.

Telling you of our decision
Once we have looked at your letter and made any enquiries needed, we will decide if your claim can be backdated. We will send you a letter telling you the date your benefit can be paid from. If we decide we cannot backdate your claim we will tell you what further action you can take.

Independent Advice

The advice agency below will be able to give you help and advice.

Stockton & District Advice & Information Service
Bath Lane
Stockton-on-Tees
TS18 2DS
Telephone Advice (01642) 607445 or Appointments (01642) 633877