How to apply

The quickest and easiest way to apply is online. You can save your progress at any point and return to your application later. Saved applications are held securely for 30 days.

Each time you save your progress, you will receive a new, unique reference number and password. Please write down or save both pieces of information immediately. When returning, you must enter the most recent password and reference number combination, as older ones will no longer work. You cannot recover your saved application without both details.

If you lose your reference number or password, you must either start a fresh application or contact the Benefits team at benefits@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window)

Please note that some users are reporting being unable to return to a saved application. We are investigating this issue with our software supplier. We recommend setting aside enough time to complete your application thoroughly. 

Change of address:

If you are currently receiving Housing Benefit and have changed address, please use our Change in Circumstances online form instead.

You can collect a form from your local council office, appointments are available by contacting 01506 280150 to speak with one of our officers. Alternatively you can contact us by e-mail benefits@westlothian.gov.uk or by telephone on 01506 280000 and we will send a form to you.

Providing Evidence:

We may ask you to provide evidence to support your Housing Benefit application. The quickest and easiest way to provide evidence is to upload this online using our evidence upload form. Please note that there is a maximum file size of 30mb per document. You can also only upload 10 documents per session.

You can also email evidence to us at: benefits@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window) should your documents exceed the file size limit. 

Alternatively evidence can be submitted at your local Customer Information Service centre (CIS), details of your local CIS office including opening times can be found here, or by post at the address below:

The Benefits Team
Revenues Unit
Civic Centre
Howden South Road
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6FF

Please note

• if you're married, in a civil partnership or living with a partner, you can only make one claim for both of you
• if you live with other people who you share the cost of your rent with, you can still claim benefit but this will only be calculated on your share of the rent

If you are claiming Pension Credit then the Pension Service will help you to make your claim.