If you make a new benefit claim, it will usually start in line with the following dates.
- claiming quickly - if you ask us for a claim form and return it to us within one month, your claim will usually start from the Monday after the date you first asked us for the claim form
- other benefits - if you make your claim within one month of applying for other benefits (income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment and support allowance or guaranteed pension credit) - your claim will usually start from the Monday after the date you become entitled to these benefits
- new liability - if you move into a new home and make your claim within the same week that you move in and become liable to pay rent/council tax, your claim will usually start from the date that you move in
- bereavement/separation - if your partner was claiming benefit for you and they die or you separate and you make your claim within one month of this happening, your claim will usually start from the date of death or separation
- in all other cases, benefit will usually start from the Monday after the date we receive your claim form
In some circumstances we may be able to backdate your claim and start it from an earlier date. More details of this can be found at our backdating your benefit claim page.