What is the time limit for claims and how do you know this is correct?

The time limit for claims is 6 years and is outlined each year in the Statement of Financial Entitlements.

Time limitation for claiming payments
(10) Payments are only payable if claimed before the end of the period of six years beginning
with the date on which they could first have fallen due (albeit that the due date has changed
pursuant to paragraph (5)).

SFE 2023 – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1148108/general-medical-services-statement-of-financial-entitlements-directions-2023.pdf Page 62

The NHS BSA has confirmed to us directly that claims can be back-dated to the 6-year point outlined in the SFE. If exceptional circumstances can also be proven, claims beyond 6 years can be escalated to senior management.

The NHS England Standard Operation Procedure requires ICB prior authorisation for manually submitted backdated claims such as our influenza vaccination drug reconciliation. If ICBs are unsure of the authorised signatory is they can contact the NHS BSA using the details here:

https://faq.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/knowledgebase/article/KA-01343/en-us