If there has been a reason which meant that you were unable to make a claim for benefit at the time you would need to request backdating and explain these reasons. These reasons must have good cause to enable us to consider your claim.
We can award backdating for a maximum of 52 weeks from the date of claim.
Good Cause
Some examples of reasons which could be considered as 'good cause' are:
- you were too ill to claim at the time
- you had more urgent things to do. This could be caring for a sick child or relative. You had a bereavement or court case.
- you were unaware of a change in the law regarding backdating
- you were mis advised by another official body
How do I request backdating?
You must make a written request for backdating and include the date from which you wish us to consider your claim from and details of the reasons why you did not claim earlier.
This can be done in a letter or on our application form (.pdf, 349kb) there is a section you can complete.
