For example, if you made your claim when you applied for Pension Credit or Jobseekers Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit will normally start from the same date as them.

You may also be able to have your claim backdated, please see the question "I think my benefit should start from an earlier date - how can I apply?"

If your entitlement to benefit ceases for whatever reason, you will normally be paid up to and including the Sunday following the date entitlement ceased.