Your benefit will usually start from the Monday after we receive your completed claim form.

If you think your benefit should start earlier

You can provide details on your application form, please include the following:

• The date you think your benefit should start

• The reason you did not make your claim earlier

• What income/capital you had during this period, together with proof

Depending on the above, it may be possible to revise the start date or backdate your claim.

If you are over 60 years of age your benefit may be backdated up to 3 months from the date of the backdate request, if you have a good cause for not claiming earlier. If you are under 60 years of age, then your benefit may be backdated up to 6 months from the date of your backdate request, again this is dependent on you having good cause for not claiming earlier.

Some examples of 'good causes' include:

• You were ill and had no one to act on your behalf

• You were unable to manage your own affairs.

You must show 'good cause' throughout this period during which backdating has been requested. Any application for backdated benefit will be considered on its individual merit.

To get a claim form, please contact us.