| Your entitlement to Housing Benefit usually starts from the Monday after the council receives your claim form. This is why it is important to apply as soon as possible.
If you think your housing benefit should start earlier than this, you can say so either on the claim form (at page 16) or by writing to the Revenues Unit at the address below.
This is called a request for backdating.
You should tell us: - The date you think your benefit should start
- The reason why you did not claim earlier. You have to have a good reason in order to get a backdated award.
Your housing benefit may be backdated up to a maximum of 52 weeks from the date we receive your request for backdating but only if you have a good reason for not claiming earlier.
You will need to provide evidence of your circumstances, including your income, for the period of backdating.
You can write to us at:
West Lothian Council
Revenues Unit
St David House
South Bridge Street
Bathgate
EH48 1TT
or you can hand in your request at your local council office. The staff there can offer help and advice. You can also use the West Lothian Connected shop in the Almondvale Centre in Livingston.
If you need further help staff at West Lothian Council's Advice Shop are available to help with requests for backdating. They can also help with advice on all state benefits. You can telephone them on 01506 776 444. | 
