How do I make my claim?
Please complete a Highland Council Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit/Second Adult Rebate application form. You can obtain one of these forms from our website by clicking here or from any Council Service Point.
Your claim will normally start from the Monday after we receive your application. If you are entitled to benefits you will not receive your first benefit payment until we have gathered the relevant information to support your claim and until we have assessed your claim. It is important therefore that you provide the required information as quickly as possible.
If you contact us to ask for a form, we will treat your claim as being made on the date that you requested the form, providing that you return the completed form and evidence to us within one calendar month from the date we issue the form to you.
Is it possible for a claim to be backdated?
If you have a good reason for not claiming in time then you may ask for the claim to be backdated. A claim can only be backdated if you can show 'good cause' for failing to claim earlier. You also need to show that 'good cause' existed throughout the entire period that you are asking for your claim to be backdated. Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate can only be backdated for a maximum period of 3 months for Pension Credit age customers and up to 6 months for working age customers.
Can I appeal?
If you disagree with our decision about your claim for benefit and/or for backdating, you can appeal to an independent appeal tribunal.