The backwards and forwards tests

The individual must have met, or it is likely that they would be determined to meet, the conditions of entitlement for the relevant rate of the component for all of the days in the 13 weeks ending on the relevant date. This is the backwards test (ADP regs, reg. 10(3), 11 and 12).

For those applying after an interval the relevant date is the last day of their previous award. This means for these applicants the 13 weeks before the last day of  their previous award is the backwards test (ADP regs, reg. 10(3)(a)(i)).

For new applications it must be likely that the individual would be determined to meet the conditions of entitlement for the relevant rate of the component for all of  the days in the 39 weeks from the date after the relevant date. This means they will 
have to be entitled to that rate in terms of the eligibility criteria for the full period for each component they are to be awarded. This is the forwards test (ADP regs, reg 10 (3), 11 and 12).

For new applications where an individual is applying after an interval the forwards test runs from the date the new application is made (1 ADP regs, reg 10 (3)(a)(i)).

For an individual in receipt of Adult Disability Payment the forwards test runs from the day after each day of the award (ADP regs, reg 10 (3)(b)(ii)).