Correspondence

Email to guests: information on the Homes for Ukraine programme

Published 1 March 2023

Dear Guest

As we approach the first anniversary of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, I write to share my solidarity with you and the people of Ukraine and provide further information about housing and work in the UK.

The government remains firmly committed to providing help, a safe place to stay, and support to those who have fled the conflict in Ukraine.

We are standing firm with Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression and the illegal invasion of your country.

Over 110,000 Ukrainian guests are now safe in the United Kingdom. You are part of one of the fastest growing visa programmes in history.

We know that adjusting to life in a new country is challenging and we continue to work together with councils, charities, the devolved governments and other partners to ensure you have the best support available during your time in the UK.

1. Living with your host

The government is enormously grateful to all those who have volunteered to share their home with Ukrainian people fleeing war. Without the generosity of all our hosts, we simply would not have been able to give shelter to so many of those in need.

In recognition of this, the government has extended the £350 ‘thank you’ payments from 12 months to a maximum duration of two years. The government has also increased the minimum ‘thank you’ payments for hosts from £350 per month to £500 per month, once a guest has been here in the UK for 12 months.

This additional financial support is aimed at helping existing hosts continue with their hosting, as well as encouraging new hosts to come forward.

If you are unable to stay with your current host, you should notify your council as soon as possible. You can find your council at: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

2. Finding independent accommodation

While the overwhelming majority of sponsorships have been a success, finding private accommodation is likely to be the best solution for the rest of your time in the UK.

There is high demand for private rental accommodation and social housing. If you are ready to rent, but are facing challenges, you should contact your council to understand what support is available in your area. You can find your council at: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Housing law differs across the United Kingdom and there are different guides to renting if you live in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you are living in England and are considering renting in England, a How to Rent guide has been translated in Ukrainian and in Russian and provides advice on navigating the private rented sector in England.

How to Rent guide in English: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent

How to Rent guide in Ukrainian: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1136732/How_to_rent__easy_read_Ukrainian_translation.pdf

How to Rent guide in Russian:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1136731/How_to_rent__easy_read_Russian_Translation.pdf

If you live in Wales, you can find help about renting in Wales here: https://sanctuary.gov.wales/ukraine/housing

If you live in Scotland, the Scottish Government’s New Scots Welcome, available in Ukrainian, provides information about housing options including renting: https://www.gov.scot/publications/welcome-pack-new-scots/pages/3/. Further information can also be found at https://www.mygov.scot/browse/housing-local-services/renting-property

If you live in Northern Ireland, you can find out more about renting and social housing at https://nidirect.gov.uk

3. Finding work and English language training

Many people on the Homes for Ukraine scheme have found work. This is particularly important for those looking to rent privately, and councils have been granted ongoing funding to support guests to access work, education, training and accommodation.

Not everyone is ready to work, and your council is also available to support you if you are having difficulties finding work.

You may also be entitled to Universal Credit while you are living in the UK. For more information on the financial support that may be available to you please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-universal-credit-and-other-benefits-homes-for-ukraine

If you are 19 years old or over, you can access adult education, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) through your council.

4. Finding a new host

If you are not able to continue with your current host, and have not found your own accommodation, you may want to find a new host by ‘rematching’. You may already know someone who could host you. If not, there are organisations that may be able to help, including voluntary organisations, charities and your council.

You do not have to stay in the same area and in some cases it may not be possible. If you choose to move, your new council will help you to find services and support in the new area.

If you are having difficulties finding a new host, you should speak to your council who might be able to help you. Please also let your council know if you have found a new host in another area of the UK, or if you decide to return to Ukraine or leave the UK for longer than four weeks. This is important.

5. Actions you need to take

If you have any concerns about where you will live after your sponsorship ends, please contact your council who will help discuss your options.

If you are living in Northern Ireland, the appropriate contacts are:

• if you have concerns about your future accommodation or safety: DPUkrainesupport@finance-ni.gov.uk

• if your host needs to stop hosting: RAScommunications@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk

• if you have found a new host: DPUkrainesupport@finance-ni.gov.uk

More guidance is available via https://nidirect.gov.uk

6. Biometric Residence Permit

We would like to remind you to apply for a biometric residence permit (BRP) within six months of the date you entered the UK. A BRP is a card that will allow you to stay in the UK for up to three years. You can use it to prove your right to study, work and claim any benefits you’re eligible for. You can book an appointment at: https://apply.visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/ukraine-scheme-brp

Find out more about BRPs at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/move-to-the-uk-if-youre-from-ukraine#getting-your-biometric-residence-permit-brp

7. Support and guidance available online

The government has updated guidance with more information of these changes: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/homes-for-ukraine-guidance-for-guests

If you live in Wales, Welsh Government guidance includes advice on accessing childcare support, healthcare and benefits in Wales. It also includes information on finding employment and rental accommodation. It can be found online at: https://sanctuary.gov.wales/ukraine

If you are in Scotland, please visit the Scottish Government website here: www.gov.scot/ukraine

If you live in Northern Ireland, please check https://nidirect.gov.uk

Once again, I hope that you feel safe, supported and welcome in the UK.

Michael Gove

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities