When should I claim?

You must claim as soon as you are aware that you may require assistance with paying your rent and/or council tax. If you do not have all the proofs necessary to support your claim, do not delay in making your application. You may lose benefit if you delay.

Entitlement to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit usually commences the Monday following the date you make your application and, in some cases, the Monday following the date you apply for Income Support or Job Seeker’s Allowance.

If you apply for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit before your rental liability and/or Council Tax liability begins you will need to confirm that you are living in the property for which you are claiming by completing an Occupation Confirmation form after you have moved in.

If you make a late application for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit and ask for a backdate, we will not be able to pay you for that period unless you can show good cause. Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit cannot be backdated more than 6 months before the date of claim.

In some cases you may be asked to provide further proofs and information to support your request for a backdate.

Benefit Application Form.