Does the automatic backdating of housing benefit only apply to a first claim made after 2003, or could it apply if a claim was made today but in addition, where there had been a continuous claim from 2001 to 2005 (ie no backdating but break in claim from 2005 to date) The claimant was over 60 years in Oct 03. Any advice would be appreciated

The "auto backdating" provision under the over-60 regs applies to any claim. So, if a claimant has several periods of HB/CTB on and off, the auto backdate should be considered for each and every new claim - the provision is subject only to the clmt otherwise being entitled.

Just for clarity, the 12 months limit for the date of claim is with reference to the claim in question (i.e. if a claim is physically made today, the claim date cannot go further back than 18th August 2007 - the usual start date rules then apply (following Monday barring exceptions).

Thank you for your very helpful reply