Homes for Ukraine - guide for sponsors and Ukrainian arrivals in Coventry

Information for Ukrainian guests

Applications to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme

Applications to the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ Scheme can be made online; full details of the sponsor(s) must be provided as part of this application. The online application form is also an application for a biometric immigration document. It is free to make an application, the immigration health surcharge, biometric enrolment fee and TB test do not apply. For Ukrainians who need assistance with the application process, there is a free 24/7 helpline +44 808 164 8810 (0808 164 8810 or +44 (0)175 390 7510 for those in the UK).

To apply to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme you must be Ukrainian, or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national, who:

  • had been residing in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022 (including those who have now left Ukraine)
  • is currently outside the UK
  • has a UK-based sponsor who is eligible for the Homes for Ukraine Scheme

The guest must arrange an appointment in a visa centre. If they choose the visa centre in Kiev they will have to collect their passports in Warsaw. 

Ukrainians arriving in Coventry

Ukrainians arriving in the UK under this scheme do not have to have family ties in the UK. Individuals arriving under this scheme will be allowed to stay in the UK for up to three years. For applications after February 2024 the visa is for 18 Months, with the opportunity to extend after that. They will be able to work and study in the UK and will have access to benefits and local authority support. This may include:

  • Universal Credit – a payment for those of working age, to help with your living costs if you’re on a low income. You could be working (including self-employed or part time) or be out of work;
  • Pension Credit – extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age which is 66 in the UK and on a low income;
  • Disability benefits – extra money to help with additional costs for those who have a long term physical or mental health condition or disability;
  • Carer’s Allowance – extra money if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week.
  • Child Benefit – extra money to help with the cost of raising a child.

Free rail travel for Ukrainians on arrival in Great Britain

As of Sunday 20 March 2022, rail operators will provide Ukrainian arrivals with a single onward journey via national rail free of charge on arrival in Great Britain to their final destination.

Ukrainian arrivals have 48 hours to make their onward journey. They only need to show a Ukrainian passport and a boarding pass or ticket showing arrival into the country within the last 48 hours.

All the information is on National Rail Enquiries and it will be translated into Ukrainian and Russian in due course.

Interim payment

The local council will make one £200 initial payment to each guest for subsistence costs. Working age guests will be able to apply to receive Universal Credit. You can apply for an advance payment of your Universal Credit if you are in financial hardship while you wait for your first payment, for example, if you can’t afford to buy food. You will need to pay back your advance a bit at a time from your future Universal Credit payments. Further information on Universal Credit.

Pension-age guests will have access to State Pension Credit and Housing Benefit provided they meet eligibility criteria. The City Council will be able to provide referrals for Benefits Assessments.

Access to local support

Support is available to all Ukrainians guests on the scheme whatever route you arrived here by.

The City Council with a local Ukrainian Community Group offer a range of advice on transport, employment, health and wellbeing, as well as running events where you can meet potential employers.

The drop-in sessions will signpost you to other support such as English lessons and practical support.

More information about the support available will be added to the section for arrivals in the coming days. This will include support available through our libraries together with access to the internet support in Coventry libraries.

Other support

A coalition of anti-slavery and human rights groups has launched a new website for Ukrainian in the UK, aimed at keeping them safe from trafficking and helping them adjust to their new home. 
The site - www.ukrainianswelcome.org - is a "one-stop-shop" of useful websites, helplines, and other information – anything from where to get basic travel and housing advice to opening a bank account and understanding your rights as a worker.  

www.ukrainianswelcome.org is available in the Ukrainian, English and Russian languages.  

Community and faith group support

Coventry Ukrainian Community exists to develop, promote and support the interests of the Ukrainian community in Coventry. The community organises events to promote and commemorate aspects of Ukrainian history and culture. These range from social events, Saturday school for children and has close links with the Ukrainian Catholic Church that holds a service every Sunday.

Visit the Association of Ukrainians Great Britain website for more: https://www.augb.co.uk/augb-branch-pages/coventry-augb-branch 

Contact

If you have any queries about the Council's support under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, contact h4uteam@coventry.gov.uk.

External links to information and resources

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