HB/CTB backdated payments

[trawlerbouy]

hi have just found out that i am eligeble for housing benefit and council tax benefit because i am working but with a low income. I contacted my local authority and asked could i get it backdated because i did'nt realise i was entitled to it but was told 'thats not a good enough reason' so what would be a good reason? any ideas? from my calculations i could of saved over £800 in the last 6 months so would be nice to claw something back thanks

[Bazooka Boo]

Unfortunately in my experience the law is on their side:mad:

The only way of getting any backdated payments is if you claim it one month and it takes them a further month to process the claim, then as a result of their bad admin you would be entitled to backdate the claim from the date you applied for benefit.

I didn't realise for well over a year after I became disabled that i was entitled to a free bus pass, but theres no way the local council would entertain a claim for all the taxi's and bus fares I paid for previous journeys:confused:

It's Live and Learn unfortunately, until you ask they won't tell.

Edited April 10, 2009 by Bazooka Boo
Damn Gremlins on the keyboard again!

[sallysas]

To have it backdated you have to show 'good cause'.

 

You could plean this is the 1st time you have claimed so were unaware of the procedures. Did someone official tell you that you wouldn't be able to claim - that would count as you were given incorrect information by an official of whatever department.

 

The regulations changed last October and you can go back 6 months from the date you applied (if you are working) and only 3 months if claiming benefit - pension credit, jsa, IS. The reason for this is that you have less leisure time to apply if you are working.

[Bazooka Boo]

As I said 'Live & Learn'

Every day is a school day:D I've learned something new, cheers sallysas;)