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<p>Under Universal Credit, claims may be backdated, by up to one calendar month, in
some circumstances for vulnerable claimants who may be delayed in claiming Universal
Credit through no fault of their own. Claims may also be backdated in specific circumstances
when a couple separates to ensure that there is no gap in entitlement between the
couple claim and the new claim made by a single claimant.</p><p> </p><p>In order to
provide the best possible support to our claimants it is important that we are able
to have discussions about their claim and circumstances at the earliest possible opportunity,
whether to support them back into work or to provide or signpost other support and
guidance. It is therefore important that backdating provisions are used in specific
circumstances, and that all claimants are encouraged to engage with us at the earliest
opportunity.</p>
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