Changes to benefit backdating rules

The Government plans to make changes to backdating rules for Pension Credit, Housing and Council Tax Benefit. From October 2008 backdating will be reduced from one year to three months.

At present people over 60 claiming Pension Credit, Housing or Council Tax Benefit can receive up to 12 months automatic backdating, without special reasons for not claiming earlier, provided they qualified during that period and request the backdating. People under 60 can receive up to 12 months backdated Housing or Council Tax Benefit provided they qualified during that period and they can show good cause for not having claimed earlier.

The changes mean that some people will lose a significant amount of benefit that they would otherwise have been entitled to. For example, a person who is entitled to a weekly Pension Credit of £35 could currently be paid backdating of £1,820. From October 2008 that will reduce to £420.

Avoid losing out on money that you, or the person you care for, are entitled to by claiming now. If you are not sure if you are entitled to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit contact a local advice service such as Citizens Advice Bureaux. People over 60 can contact the Pension Service on 0845 60 60 265 and ask for a benefits check.