When it is paid
We usually pay benefits from the Monday after the date we receive your benefit claim form.
If you claim your benefit in the week you move into a property; then we can normally pay the benefit from the start of your tenancy. In special circumstances, we can backdate housing benefit for up to one month for working-age claimants and three months for pension age. You must ask us for this in writing and give us the reason why you were unable to claim earlier.
If you have to pay rent from your tenancy start date to the date you moved in, you may qualify for benefit before moving in. The delay in moving in must be for one of the following reasons:
- To adapt the house if you or a member of your family have a disability.
- You are waiting for a social fund payment to meet a need arising from the move or in connection with setting up the home; a family member must be aged five or under, or your applicable amount includes one of the following premiums: pensioner, enhanced pensioner, higher pensioner, disability, severe disability or disable child premium.
- You became liable to make payments regarding the property while you were in hospital or a residential home.
However, even when the conditions are met for two or three above, we cannot pay the benefit if you had to pay rent on a previous property immediately before the start of the tenancy at your new address. To qualify, you must apply to the council within four weeks of moving into your new home.
Slightly different criteria apply if you are a victim of domestic violence.
The rules about rent before occupation are complicated. Contact us on 0151 443 4042 if you want to find out more.