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

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A guide for sponsors and Ukrainian families with details of the help Coventry City Council will provide and other local resources to support the settlement of those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Introduction

The Homes for Ukraine [https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/] scheme launched on 14 March 2022 as a new route for Ukrainians without existing connections to come to the UK. Under this scheme, it allows UK residents, businesses and community groups to sponsor individuals or families to stay with them (either in their home, or in another property) for a minimum of 6 months. The Homes for Ukraine programme requires applicants to obtain a visa [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-visa-under-the-ukraine-sponsorship-scheme] before arrival in the UK.

The first phase is open to individual members of the public to sponsor guests from Ukraine. In later phases, organisations and community groups will be able to sponsor multiple guests.

If you have registered [https://www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine] for the scheme and been allocated a Ukrainian individual or family to host, this and related pages aim to be your local information about the scheme, where you can find out about all the council resources that you and your Ukrainian guests can access.

It's also for Ukrainian guests to find out information about how they can register for interim payments, and get help with education provision for children, find referrals to health care and other services, sort out benefits and begin their journey into work through setting up national insurance accounts.

This page will be regularly updated as phases of the scheme are announced.

What Coventry City Council are required to do:

We have a number of key roles:

  • To undertake property and safeguarding checks;
  • To put in place support arrangements for Ukrainian guests and their hosts;
  • Provision of education, to provide school places for children of school age;
  • Provision of social care to children and adults;
  • Interim payments for Ukrainian guests arriving under the Homes for Ukraine scheme;
  • Community integration.

Information for potential sponsors

Applying to sponsor and the matching process

Anyone with at least six months' leave to remain in the UK can apply as a sponsor. In the ‘first phase’ of the scheme, you will need the details of a Ukrainian individual or family you wish to sponsor. Once both parties have agreed the arrangement, either the guest or the sponsor should fill in a single visa application form [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-visa-under-the-ukraine-sponsorship-scheme], including all the details of both guest and sponsor. Guidance on filling in this application, including what information is required [http://docs.google.com/document/d/1-ZtweSrvtQrmvyGb8EWD06kpHbToV0_V/edit].

The Government will not create a formal process for matching sponsors and guests; this will be carried out by community and faith groups and NGOs in the sector. Coventry City Council will not be involved directly in this matching process. There are now a number of websites and initiatives set up both in Coventry and nationally for matching sponsors and refugees. 

Coventry Refugee Migrant Centre [https://www.covrefugee.org/] is working with the charity ‘Hand in Hand’ to help match sponsors to Ukrainian individuals and families. 

To meet the requirements to be approved as a sponsor you must:

  • be over the age of 18
  • be based in the UK
  • be a British or Irish Citizen or settled in the UK (which means having the right to live in the UK permanently) on the date of the guest’s visa application
  • provide one of the following documents:
  • UK or Irish passport or Irish passport card
  • Valid biometric residence permit or biometric residence card
  • Home Office Travel Document
  • Share-Code and the person’s date of birth, so you can conduct an online check of their identity and status - Check someone’s immigration status: use their share code [https://www.gov.uk/check-immigration-status]
  • a photo driving licence issued by the UK, Ireland, or the Crown Dependencies along with a UK, Crown Dependency or Irish birth or adoption certificate with matching biographical details
  • confirm you can provide accommodation for a period of at least 6 months in the UK
  • make sure that all adults in the sponsor household meet suitability requirements as set out in text below

Taken from GOV.UK  [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eligibility-safeguarding-dbs-and-accommodation-checks-homes-for-ukraine]

Information for sponsors

As the Government's guidance on the Homes for Ukraine scheme states, individuals who wish to act as sponsors/hosts for Ukrainian individuals and families are only required to provide suitable accommodation for a minimum of six months.

The Government has asked local authorities to lead on the wraparound support to Ukrainian guests, drawing on our experience of previous resettlement schemes including the Syrian and Afghan schemes.

Support from Coventry City Council

The information below provides details of the City Council’s support:

Home assessments

The government has asked local authorities to assess whether space offered by sponsors is suitable for use in the Homes for Ukraine scheme. A Council Officer will visit the property and check that taking in a Ukrainian guest and family will not lead to overcrowding and that the rooms are in a reasonable condition.

Safeguarding

Ukrainian arrivals are likely to be vulnerable and may be traumatised by their experiences, and potential sponsors should be aware of this when signing up to the scheme. All persons aged 16 years and above in the sponsor households will be required to have a basic DBS check, and if there is a child or vulnerable adult in the arriving Ukrainian family, an enhanced DBS check will be required. The City Council will provide further guidance on the DBS checks process to sponsors.

If a sponsor has a concern about wellbeing of either the guest family or themselves, they should contact our safeguarding teams:

Employment and ESOL

Council services will provide access to English as a Second Language classes in conjunction with local partners. Guests can express an interest to learn English and will then be registered onto a course.

The City Council’s Migration Team will help newcomers find employment in the city. This will involve close work with Ukrainian guests to discuss their previous skills, experience and qualifications. Where appropriate, we will try to ensure guests can transfer their previous qualifications.

A key part of the support will involve working with individuals to find out their aspirations and the best route into the UK labour market. We have extensive experience of working with new arrivals in the city and will ensure that employment in the UK is explained as clearly as possible. Opportunities include confidence-building, discussion of key vocabulary, sector-specific training, volunteering support and job application support.

Voluntary and community support

Coventry has an active voluntary and community sector, with many groups who already provide support and welcome to refugees and migrants. We regularly meet with representatives from the sector, to plan how best to support new settlers.

Information for Ukrainian guests

Applications to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme

Applications to the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ Scheme can be made online [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-visa-under-the-ukraine-sponsorship-scheme]; 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 [http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-universal-credit-and-other-benefits-if-you-are-a-refugee/refugee-guide-urgent-things-you-need-to-do].

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 [https://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 [https://www.ukrainianswelcome.org] is available in the Ukrainian, English and Russian languages.  

Community and faith group support

Coventry Ukrainian Community [https://www.facebook.com/CoventryUkrainianCommunity/] 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 [https://www.ucc-gb.com/coventry] 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 [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 [mailto:h4uteam@coventry.gov.uk].

External links to information and resources

Your questions answered

Who will carry out the sponsor home visits?

The Council will make arrangements for home visits to sponsors’ homes. There are several aspects to these visits, including an accommodation review, safety and wellbeing checks.

When can I expect to be contacted to arrange a visit?

The Council will start contacting sponsors when matches are confirmed to us by the Central Government. Your first contact is likely to be from a Council Officer by telephone and/or email.

What to do when your guest(s) arrive

Your role as a sponsor is to welcome the guest and help them with tasks such as registering with a GP surgery and accessing local services. 

Government guidance for sponsors [http://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-sponsor-guidance].

How will Ukrainian guests receive mental health and other medical support services?

Ukrainian guests will be able to register with a local GP practice and NHS dentist to access the medical services they need.

If a sponsor has a concern about wellbeing of either the guest family or themselves, they should contact our safeguarding teams:

I am concerned about trafficking?

A coalition of anti-slavery and human rights groups has launched a new website for Ukrainian refugees in the UK, aimed at keeping them safe from trafficking and helping them adjust to their new home. 
The site - www.ukrainianswelcome.org [https://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 [https://ukrainianswelcome.org/] is available in the Ukrainian, English and Russian languages.  

Will I get paid for hosting a Ukrainian guest and family?

Financial support for sponsoring hosts is set by the government at £350 per property per month for up to 12 months. This will rise to £500 after 12 months. 

It is classed as a 'thank you' payment and is neither taxable nor affects benefits. You cannot charge rent to the guest you host.

Payment cannot start until a check on the property has been carried out and then will be a month in arrears.

If your guest moves out of your home for any reason, you must inform your local council at the earliest opportunity as you will need to let them know that you are no longer eligible for the monthly payments. Failure to do so may result in overpayments which you will have to pay back.

If you choose not to take the optional payment, we encourage you to accept £350 and donate to a local charity. We can help you let you know of local charities.

Will the £350 payment be taxable, affect benefit or Council Tax status?

No. It is not taxable, does not affect benefits or single person Council Tax discounts.

Will I be paid rent?

No. You should not charge any rent. We appreciate people’s generosity and do know that there will be costs associated with helping out, and so we are offering an optional ‘thank you’ payment of £350 per month to people who can accommodate one or more household (subject to the accommodation they have).

The ‘thank you’ payment is limited to one payment per residential address. You will continue to receive payments for as long as you sponsor somebody and for at least 18 months. This payment will be made in arrears. Prior to payment, eligibility checks will be carried out which will include a visit to your home.

What sort of room or accommodation is required?

The most important thing is that you’re able to provide at least 6 months of stable accommodation. This can be anything from an empty room to an unoccupied home, as long as it’s safe, heated and free from health hazards, and gives your guests adequate access to bathroom and kitchen facilities. We are asking for sponsors who can at least offer an empty room, to ensure the safety and privacy of guests. A bed in a shared space would not be an appropriate offer of accommodation for 6 months.
Please see Government Homes for Ukraine FAQs [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-frequently-asked-questions] for further information.

Will I have to provide food for guests I host?

It would be nice to offer a welcome meal, but guests will be able to access benefits and work so they can pay for their food and other needs. We will provide assistance to them to claim benefits initially and then to find work.

What about my mortgage and household insurance?

In some cases, you’ll need to check with your landlord, freeholder or mortgage provider, and insurance company, about whether they have any policies which you need to factor in. It’s important you think through any possible implications for your tenancy, mortgage, lease and insurance before your guest arrives in the UK.

Please see the Scheme FAQs [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-frequently-asked-questions] for permissions required for mortgages, insurance, landlords, renters and leaseholders.

What if my circumstances change and I can’t continue sponsoring?

If for any reason you need to end the sponsorship arrangement early, you should inform the City Council as soon as possible. The Council will step in to help guests to find alternative accommodation. If you could inform the council as early as possible at h4uteam@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:h4uteam@coventry.gov.uk]

People who arrive in the UK through this scheme will be able to access all benefits, including housing benefit where there are housing costs, for the three years they have leave to remain.

Are Ukrainian children allowed to access education?

Ukrainian children are entitled to access education in this country. Families will be supported to apply for school places for their children by the Council's Migration Team and Access to Education Team. The teams will provide advice and guidance about schools nearby and schools with available places. They will support with the application process until children are settled into an appropriate school.  The team can also help with pre-school places for younger children and college placements for young people over the age of sixteen.

Information about the school admission process [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/admissions]

Applications for school places for children who have not already attended a school in this country need to be made through the Access to Education Team. Online applications are not available under these circumstances. 

If you would like support in placing your child into a school within Coventry, you can contact the Migration Team using their Homes for Ukraine support email - h4uteam@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:h4uteam@coventry.gov.uk] 

Will guests be allowed to work?

The City Council Migration Team will be arranging support into employment and meet the employer sessions. Keep an eye this page and stay in touch at h4uteam@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:h4uteam@coventry.gov.uk]

Will my guests be allowed to access benefits?

People fleeing Ukraine and arriving in the UK can claim benefits immediately. Emergency regulations have been laid so those arriving in the UK from Ukraine because of the Russian invasion can access Universal Credit and other benefits where eligible, and jobs support immediately.
Translation services are available to help new arrivals with phone applications, and Work Coaches and DWP staff are on hand to support people making claims online. More information on immediate benefit support is available [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/immediate-benefit-support-for-those-fleeing-the-invasion-in-ukraine].

Will Ukrainian guests be allowed access to healthcare?

Ukrainian guests are entitled to access the National Health Service (NHS) free of charge. The local NHS is awaiting national guidance. In the meantime guests arriving in Coventry should register with their nearest GP practice or the one their host is registered with. Once registered with a GP, advice about accessing COVID-19 vaccinations (not given by GP directly) and other immunisations (given at the GP practice) will be given. 

The NHS, the UK Health Security Agency and the Mayor of London have produced a helpful leaflet, in Ukrainian and English, which explains how the service works and what rights to healthcare migrants have.

The documents above may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. The information is also available as an accessible web page: NHS entitlements: migrant health guide (GOV.UK) [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-entitlements-migrant-health-guide]

How can a guest access the £200 interim payment?

The payment is at present only available for Ukrainian guests arriving under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. When we are notified by the Central Government of guest arrivals, we will make contact at the host address. If guests have arrived under this scheme and have not heard from us, please contact h4uteam@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:h4uteam@coventry.gov.uk]

What are the security checks on guests and hosts?

Sponsors(hosts) and guests arriving will have met standard security checks against the police national computer database and anti-terrorism checks as part of the visa application process.

A City Council Officer will visit the property to check that the accommodation offered is appropriate and that everything is in place for the guest(s).

The council will also conduct a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on all members of the host household who are 16 years and over, regardless of their relationship to the guests.

For those who are sponsoring a Ukrainian family which includes children or a vulnerable adult, an Enhanced DBS check (including a check of the children’s or adults barred list) will be undertaken, for all those who are 16 or over in the host household, regardless of their relationship to the guests.

Can Housing in Multiple Occupation be used as part of this scheme and will a license be required?

This scheme is for private properties only. Housing for Multiple Occupation may be considered later on in the scheme, the government is not allowing this at present.

Can people bring their pets?

Many people fleeing the conflict will not have been able to complete the full health preparations required for their pets. There is now a streamlined process for people bringing their pets from Ukraine. The Animal and Plant Health Agency will provide quick approvals and relevant quarantine arrangements, for which we will cover the costs. 

Ukrainians should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency at pettravel@apha.gov.uk [mailto:pettravel@apha.gov.uk] or should call +44 3000 200 301 and select option 2. 

I'm a Doctor/Medical student who has arrived through the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme and need advice/support, where can I receive this?

For Doctors or young medical students in need of advice and guidance on your right to work, your visa, registering as a medical practitioner in the UK and more, you can check out the helpful guide produced by the Ukrainian Medical Association of the United Kingdom. 

Ukraine refugee doctors medical students guide (English) [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/38241/ukraine-refugee-doctors-medical-students-guide-english-]

Ukraine refugee doctors medical students guide (Ukrainian) [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/38242/ukraine-refugee-doctors-medical-students-guide-ukrainian-]

Employment - Work and Pensions

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. It administers the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits to around 20 million claimants and customers.

The DWP has released a helpful guide to Ukrainians arriving in the United Kingdom which outlines how they can work, access benefits and much more. This is currently only available in English and we are working to get this translated as fast as possible.

DWP support for Ukrainians arriving in the United Kingdom (English) [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7142/dwp-support-for-ukrainians-arriving-in-the-uk]

News and events

Integrating into a new city and a new culture is never easy. One of our aims at Coventry City Council is to make this transition and the entire resettlement process, as seamless as possible. 

To help new Ukrainian arrivals resettle and integrate into the city, we have put on regular sessions that enable new arrivals to learn or improve their English skills; meet other members of Coventry's Ukrainian Community; access services across the city and answer any questions they may have. 

What's on this week

English classes

One of the main barriers to integration is the inability to speak the language of the country you've been resettled in. To help Ukrainian arrivals resettle and integrate into Coventry as seamlessly as possible, we have put on regular ESOL/Conversational classes (English classes) at Coventry's Central Library in the city centre. In order to ensure that all new arrivals receive the appropriate language support, all Ukrainian arrivals are required to undertake an English Assessment so that we can provide tailored support to individuals based on their current level of English. 

English Assessments currently take place in the Central Library every Tuesday, with the first session taking place between 10am-12pm and the second session following soon after between 12:30pm-2pm. 

English lessons will then take place every Tuesday and Friday as follows:

  • For beginners - 10am-11:30am
  • For improvers - 12pm-1:30pm

Drop-in sessions

Alongside our English classes, we're also holding a weekly drop-in session for Ukrainian arrivals at the Central Library. The session is a chance for new arrivals to pop in and speak to members of the Council's Migration Team about any questions or concerns that they may have. 

At this week's session we're also giving away the following items:

  • £200 interim payment for new arrivals on the Homes for Ukraine Scheme
  • GoCV cards that give Ukrainian arrivals free entry and discounts to specified events and activities around Coventry
  • Bus passes for those who have arrived through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme

We will be contacting those new arrivals who are eligible for the above benefits to arrange an appointment to collect their payment, GoCV cards and bus passes. These are not available to those without an appointment. Once you have a confirmed appointment, you must also bring the relevant identification. We will inform you of what identification documents to bring when we arrange your appointment. 

Employment Sessions

As part of our integration approach, one of our main aims is to help people into employment, education or training based on their skills, qualifications and ambitions, in doing so helps all new arrivals to once again lead independent lives.

To support Ukrainian arrivals in finding work, we have put on two employment sessions per week at the Central Library with one of expert Job Coaches, so that we can provide tailored one-to-one support for those who need it.

On Tuesdays our Job Coach, Meena, will be giving guests a brief overview of working life in the UK. These introductory sessions will take place after English lessons have finished for the day, from 2pm-2:15pm. After this brief introduction, Meena will be able to book appointments for those wishing to work.

On Wednesdays and Fridays, between 10am-2pm, Meena will be hosting one-hour employment sessions with those who are wishing to work in the UK. These sessions are designed to find out more about guests' skills, qualifications and ambitions, so that we can provide the appropriate level of support to each individual.

If you have any employment related questions, or wish to book a session with Meena, please email: Meenakshi.Ganeshbabu@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:Meenakshi.Ganeshbabu@coventry.gov.uk]

All of our employment sessions - on both Wednesday and Friday - take place between 10am-2pm.

We will be regularly updating this page with all of the latest news, events and information that are relevant to Ukrainian arrivals and their sponsors, so make sure you check back here for the latest updates. 

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