Back dating housing benefit Validity

[Angelica]

Hi, Claim was made for hosing benefit. The applicant requested a 1 month back dating because of awaiting a tax credit notice from HRMC. The backdating was turn down. She intend to appeal. Is the reason given by the applicant not a good cause? Please advise.

[des8]

Re: Back dating housing benefit Validity

The Housing Benefit Regulations 2006 don't specify what "good cause" is.

(12) Where the claimant makes a claim in respect of a past period (a “claim for backdating”) and, from a day in that period up to the date of the claim for backdating, he had continuous good cause for his failure to make a claim, his claim in respect of that period shall be treated as made on—

(a)

the first day from which he had continuous good cause; or

(b)

the day 52 weeks before the date of the claim for backdating,
whichever fell later.

Although the Northern Ireland Regulations deliberately specify "whilst waiting for a decision on another benefit (http://www.nihe.gov.uk/index/benefit...backdating.htm) there is no such clarification for England & Wales (none that I can find anyway).

It seems each individual has to convince each council that his particular claim has "good cause".

She won't lose anything by appealing.