Information for Ukrainian

nationals arriving in the UK

This document contains information to help Ukrainian nationals who have
recently arrived in the UK understand their rights and find out about services
they can access.

Immigration Status

Depending on what visa or immigration status you have been given to enter the
UK, you may need to access immigration advice from a qualified immigration
adviser about extending this or making a different kind of application in future.
Legal aid can help meet the costs of legal advice and representation but is only
available for certain types of applications and for people who cannot afford to
pay for a solicitor privately. You can search for a solicitor in the UK on
https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/ by selecting “Legal Issue & Changing
Countries” and entering your postcode, town or city. Or for a legal
representative regulated by the UK’s Office of the Immigration Services
Commissioner (OISC) through the ‘Find an Immigration Advisor’ search function
via this webpage. You can also email [email protected] explaining
your situation and requesting free immigration advice.

Benefits and Financial

The state provides basic welfare benefit payments for people who are unable to
work, who are looking for work but have not yet found a job, or who are on a low
income. This is called Universal Credit.
Universal Credit is a payment from the government to help you and your family
live in the UK. It’s paid monthly and you need to apply for it online.
Universal Credit can be used to pay for your living expenses such as food,
clothing, transport, household bills and anything you want to buy.
Your Universal Credit payment is made up of a standard allowance. Any extra
amounts that apply to you, for example, if you have children; a disability; a
health condition which prevents you from working; or need help paying your
rent, will be added in addition.

Universal credit applications should be submitted online via this website

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit The below telephone numbers should only
be used if someone is unable to maintain a digital claim.

If you have questions about how Universal Credit works you can call:
Universal Credit Full Service 0800 328 5644
Citizens Advice Help to Claim 0800 144 8 444

How do I start a Universal Credit application?

When you complete the online application, the website will tell you if you need
to go to a local Job Centre. When you go to the Job Centre, you will meet a ‘work
coach’. They will help you apply for a National Insurance Number (NINO), if you
do not have one. This is a unique and personal number. It takes about 2-6 weeks
for a NINO to come. It will be sent to you in the post.

If you are joining a Universal Credit claim with your partner their claim will be
suspended. It is important to be aware that after making a joint claim, your
partner’s Universal Credit may be stopped for around five weeks.
If you already have a national insurance number and a bank account, you can
ask your work coach for advance payment. This payment is a loan and will be
repaid by deducting from future payments of Universal Credit. If your partner is
working, you may still be able to get extra help by applying for Universal Credit
jointly and your partner’s income will affect how much money you receive.

Employment and your rights

Before you accept a job - ask questions. Find out about payment, working
conditions, the name and address of the workplace and share that with
someone you trust. Ask if you can talk to a coworker. Ask for a contract. Keep a
track of the hours you have worked and seek help if you are not being treated
well.
In the UK you can expect the National Minimum Wage is £9.50 (age 23+), £9.18
(age 21 to 22), £6.83 (age 18 to 20).
If someone offers you a role that sounds too good to be true or there are
aspects of the job that are not clear, this could be a warning sign that the person
is not well intentioned. Knowing your rights can help you to stay safe. You can
access more information here: •https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-
at-work/ (England): 0800 144 8848
• https://www.acas.org.uk/ 0300 123 1100
• https://www.workrightscentre.org/work-rights
•https://www.gla.gov.uk/publications/resources/glaa-know-the-signs-know-your-
rightsposters/
Report Problems 0800 432 0804
What do I ask for at the Job Centre?
You can ask for an interpreter for Job Centre appointments if you need one. It is
important you understand what you need to do and when. If you do not do what
the Job Centre asked you to do, some or all the money you receive may be
stopped (this is called being ‘sanctioned’).

If you have children

There is a difference between Universal Credit and Child Benefit:
Child Benefit is money paid to parents or other people who are responsible for
bringing up a child. You can apply for Child Benefit for children under 16, and
sometimes for older children (aged 16-20) if they are in approved full-time
education.
You can download a Child Benefit form from this website: www.gov.uk/child-
benefit/how-to-claim

Should I open a bank account?

Universal Credit is paid into one bank account, yours or your partner’s. To
receive Universal Credit or other benefits yourself, you need to open a bank
account. To open a bank account, you need to go to a bank and show
documents that prove:
Identity;
Immigration status and
Address.
If you do not have a bank account, you can get your first payment as a voucher.
This is called ‘government payment exemption service’. You will need to tell the
Job Centre why you have not been able to open a bank account. This can take a
long time, so it is better to try and open a bank account first.

Where can I try and get other financial support?

• Charities in the UK might be able to help by providing you with basic essential
items or food if there are delays with accessing financial support. You can search
for your local foodbank via this https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-
foodbank/.
You can search for other charities offering financial support via this
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/ and also
search online for Ukrainian charities in the UK such as the Association of
Ukrainians of Great Britain www.augb.co.uk.

How can I get help with housing?

You may need to ask the government for help with housing. To ask for help with
housing for you and your family you need to go to the Local Authority (also
called your local council) for help if you are homeless or threatened with
homelessness within the next 56 days. You can find
which is your Local Council by entering your postcode on this website
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

You can request help from your Local Authority if your accommodation is
overcrowded, in a poor state of repair or you are at risk of violence. The Local
Authority should carry out a ‘homelessness assessment’ to establish what kind
of support you need and what they can offer.

The Local Authority will ask for evidence to assess your needs such as:
• Evidence you have Leave to Remain in the UK
• Evidence of ‘priority need’
• Evidence that you are not homeless through any fault of your own
• Evidence of a ‘local connection’

What are priority needs?

To assess who is most in need of help the Local Authority will want to know if
anyone in your family is a child under 18 years old; anyone in your family is
pregnant; or if anyone is ‘vulnerable’ (this may be because of disability, serious
health condition or because they are at risk of domestic violence).

What is a local connection?

Most Local Authorities apply a residency test, or wider local connection test, as
part of their qualification criteria to go on the waiting list. A ‘local connection’
may usually be established through living or working in an area, or through have
close family living in an area.

Once you have somewhere to live, you will need to sign a ‘tenancy agreement’.
This is a legal contract between you (the tenant) and the landlord who owns the
housing (this might be the local authority, a housing association, or a private
individual). Your tenancy agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of
the tenant and the landlord. It will also state the date you can move in, how long
the contract is for, how much the rent is and when you must pay it.

What types of housing will I be offered?

The housing you are offered may not be in the place you want and the quality of
this housing may not be what you expect. Housing is usually outside of the city
centre and can be in tall buildings with many floors and many flats in the same
building. Many Local councils face a shortage of housing and often need to look
for accommodation far away from where you currently live. This may be in
another city. If you have a large family, please be aware that there are limits on
the amount of housing benefit you can claim. This varies depending on the size
of your house and where you live.
If you are renting a house that is too expensive you will need to ensure you top
up your rent from any other income you have (work, welfare support) to avoid
rent arrears. You may be able to ask the Local Authority for financial help (a
Discretionary Housing Payment) if you need temporary support while you look
for cheaper accommodation or are waiting on money to be paid to you.

Not every local authority will be able to provide financial help and it depends on
your family’s individual circumstances. You may need to move to a cheaper part
of the country to afford accommodation.

What if I do not want the accommodation I am offered?

If you receive accommodation support from your Local Authority, you will have
limited choice about the housing you are offered. It is important not to refuse an
offer of accommodation from the Local Authority; otherwise the Local Authority
can find that you have chosen to be homeless which the legislation calls being
‘intentionally homeless’ and they may refuse to help further.
You may be able to ask them to reconsider their decision but it is advisable to
first accept accommodation offered to ensure you have a place to stay then take
legal advice on your housing options. Money for your housing is included in your
application for Universal Credit. If you move address, you will need to tell the Job
Centre.

Can I rent private housing?

Private housing can be found through local lettings agents and on property
listings websites such as Right Move and Zoopla. The types of privately rented
housing available will differ across the country. When you have found a house or
flat you will probably need to put down a deposit, before signing a ‘tenancy
agreement’.
For further advice on your housing needs: Shelter - 0800 800 4444
www.shelter.org.uk

Healthcare
The National Health Service (NHS) provides health services to people living in the
UK. Most of these services are free.

How do I register with a doctor?

In the UK, family doctors are called General Practitioners “GPs”. A GP is the first
doctor you will see when accessing healthcare. To receive medical treatment,
you and your children must register with a GP as soon as possible, even if you
are not ill.
You need to find GPs that are near where you are living and can use this website
to find one:
www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4.
You will be asked to fill out a registration form and bring identification and proof
of your address if you can. Please note ID (Identity Document) and proof of
address is not necessary for registering with a GP. You should not be asked
about your immigration status.

How do I register with a dentist?

Some dentists offer NHS treatment and private treatment. You should register
with a dentist as an NHS patient and let them know if you are receiving benefits,
in which case your check-ups and necessary treatment will be free. Note that
getting dental treatment before receiving Universal Credit can result in charges.
Can I get extra financial support with a health condition?
You might get additional money from Universal Credit if you have a health
condition that means you are unable to work or prepare for work.

If you are on a low income you may be eligible to apply to the NHS low income
scheme for help with health costs such as prescriptions, dental care and
eyesight tests. You can ask your GP practice about this or apply online
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-
low-income-scheme-lis/

What do I do in a health emergency?

If you have an accident that requires immediate medical treatment you need to
go to the nearest hospital that has an Accident and Emergency (“A&E”)
Department which are open 24 hours a day or if you are seriously ill and cannot
travel you can call for an ambulance by calling “999”.

Is there support for my mental health?

Mental health problems range from the worries we all experience as part of
everyday life to serious long-term conditions. Anxiety, post-traumatic stress
disorder and depression are the most common problems.
In the UK it is quite common for people to seek advice about concerns with
mental health. Your doctor (“GP”) is trained to give guidance and treatment on
emotional and mental health as well as physical health.
For further support: Mind 0300 123 3393 Text 86463 www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans 116 123 Email: [email protected]
Is there support for my sexual health?
You have the right to access free services that help you get information and help
about your sexual health. If you would like information about sexual health,
speak to your GP. Contraception can help you avoid unwanted pregnancies. In
the UK, you can ask your doctor for a contraceptive method that suits you. This
is between you and the doctor, no one else needs to know that you
are accessing these services.

Children’s schooling
It is important that you make sure that your child goes to school. If you do not
there could be legal consequences. Primary school (5-11 years) and secondary
school (12-18 years) education is free. You need to register your child with a
school if they are five years or older. The school should be near your home.
How do I register my children for school?
Before your child can start school, you must meet with the school and fill out
forms. Each Local Authority has different procedures for applying for school
places. If you are not sure how to register, ask at your local school who can give
you information.
You are entitled to an interpreter for this meeting.
You need to bring proof of address, any identification that you and your child
have (BRP,
passports, visas) and the child’s birth certificate, if they have one.

You can find information on applying for primary school places here:
www.gov.uk/apply-forprimary-school-place.

You can find information on applying for secondary school places here:
www.gov.uk/apply-forsecondary-school-place.

Is there financial help for travel, school uniforms, and school meals?

Free school transport may be available if you live a certain distance away from
your children’s school. School Uniform Grants and Free School Meals might be
available if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits. You will need
to ask your Local Authority about grants and financial support. The available
help is different between Local Authorities.

Children who have arrived without parents If children arrive in the UK without
their parents and are living with relatives or friends it is important that the adult
carers contact their Local Authority
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council to inform them of this. The Local authority
would then complete an assessment and determine the suitability of the
arrangement and any support that may be needed. It is important that anyone
receiving Ukrainian children in this manner notifies the Local Authority as soon
as possible to get this process started. https://frg.org.uk/get-help-and-
advice/what/children-living-with-relatives-or-friends/

Domestic abuse
‘Domestic abuse’ is a term used in the UK to describe any violence or abuse used
to exercise or gain control and power over a partner or family member. It is a
crime in the UK.
It can include physical, sexual, psychological, verbal, emotional and financial
abuse.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse you are entitled to protection and can
access a safe place to live – this is called a refuge. If you experience domestic
violence or abuse in your relationship and want to leave your relationship, there
are places you can go to for help.
Emergency Services Always call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate
danger.

National Centre for Domestic Violence 0800 970 2070 www.ncdv.org.uk

Sex and consent

Men and women are treated the same under the law in the UK. The age of
consent for sexual
activity in the UK is 16. It is illegal for people under 16 to engage in a sexual
activity, even if both
people are under the age of 16.