Apply In-Person:

1. To Apply for Local Housing Allowance (LHA), the applicant has to approach the Local Council Housing benefits or housing office link
2. An application form will be provided to the applicant by the concerned officer or the applicant has to download the application form from the following link
3. The applicant needs to Find the local council search tool to identify the specific council responsible for the applicant area.
4. Before contacting the council, the applicant has to make sure the applicant has relevant information readily available.
5. Make sure that the applicant has attached all the necessary documents that are mentioned in the “Required Documents” section of this page.
6. This may include the applicant personal details, income information, tenancy agreement, and any other supporting documentation required by the council.
7. The Applicant have to Fill out the application form accurately and provide all the necessary details. Ensure that the applicant include any supporting documents or evidence requested by the council.
8. The applicant needs to Return the completed application form and any supporting documents to the council as instructed.
9. Once the applicant's application is submitted, the council will review the applicant information and assess the applicant eligibility for Local Housing Allowance.
10. They will communicate their decision to the applicant in writing or through other agreed-upon means.
11. The applicant has to pay the prescribed fee as requested by the authority.
12. This entire process can be completed within 30 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

• Completed application form link
• Proof of identity
• Proof of address
• Tenancy details
• Income details
• Bank statement
• National insurance number
• Proof of household composition

LOCAL COUNCIL HOUSING OFFICE

City Chambers

High Street

Edinburgh

EH1 1YJ
Phone - 0131 608 1111
Email:CustomerAdvice@scotborders.gov.uk
Contact link

• The applicant must have a legal right to reside in the United Kingdom to be eligible for housing benefit. This includes British citizens, European Economic Area (EEA) nationals, and certain categories of individuals with immigration status.

• The fees associated with applying for local housing allowance (LHA) in Scotland may vary depending on various factors, including the local authorities and their specific policies.

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

• Application form link

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

• This entire process can be completed within 30 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type='website'>video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites.
Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver,
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.

• Applicants must complete the application form before submitting it. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Applicants must provide genuine information while applying for this procedure.

• Legal full name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Contact details
• Martial status
• Income details
• Employment details

• Local Housing Allowance (LHA) in Scotland is a form of housing benefit provided by the government to help individuals and families on low incomes meet their housing costs. LHA is administered by local authorities and is designed to provide support for private renters.

• For more information link

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

Link

Here are some of the Important features of LOCAL HOUSING ALLOWANCE.

• RENT PAYMENTS: The primary purpose of LHA is to assist eligible individuals and families in paying their rent. It helps bridge the gap between the cost of rental housing and the tenant's ability to afford it, particularly for those on low incomes or receiving certain benefits.
• PRIVATE RENTED ACCOMMODATION: LHA can be used to cover the cost of renting a private property, including houses, flats, and apartments. It provides financial support towards the rent payment, helping individuals secure suitable and safe housing.