How you can help people by supporting the Homes for Ukraine scheme

The Ukrainian invasion has forced millions of people to flee and many have lost their permanent homes.

The new Homes for Ukraine scheme allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to safely take Ukrainians, including those without families here.

Phase 1 allows UK sponsors to appoint designated Ukrainian or family groups to stay for at least 6 months for security checks.

Many people have already done their bit by registering their interests to become a sponsor. Ukrainians participating in this plan can live and work in the UK for up to 3 years.

Here are the answers to common questions about how the scheme works:

Would you like help?
There are two ways you can help through the HomesforUkraine scheme. If you know who you would like to take to Ukraine, please work with them to complete a dedicated visa application.

If you don’t know anyone, you can enter an expression that interests you. For more information, please visit ukstandswithukraine.campaign.gov.uk.

When can sponsors and Ukrainians apply for the Homes for Ukraine scheme?

If you know a Ukrainian who wants to sponsor, contact us now and get ready to fill out your visa application.

If you don’t know the Ukrainians in need of help, you can register your interest in becoming a sponsor. As the scheme evolves, you will be kept up to date.

Which Ukrainians are eligible?

Ukrainian homes are open to Ukrainian citizens and their close relatives who lived in Ukraine before January 1, 2022. You can apply from Ukraine or other third countries.

There is no limit to the number of people. The UK welcomes Ukrainians with the desired number of Ukrainians and sponsors.

What kind of space can you provide?

Accommodation can be anything from vacant rooms to vacant homes, as long as it is safe, well-heated, non-healthy, and guests have ample access to bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Will the rent be paid?

No. However, the government can offer an optional “thank you” payment of £ 350 per month for up to one year. This is limited to one payment per address and is subject to eligibility checks, including home visits. It does not affect council tax discounts.

Can the people I support work and claim benefits?

Yes, anyone from Ukraine who comes to the country under the scheme can get a job or apply for benefits.

Are you planning to cover guest bills or serve meals?

No, you will be asked to provide accommodation. However, nothing prevents you from serving meals as needed.

Are you expected to provide support?

Organizations can provide support such as access to benefits, GP registration, and school education.

Are checks done to protect family and guests?

Yes, the local council completes the check of accommodation and living arrangements. Security checks are also done, but it depends on the situation. For more information, please visit ukstandswithukraine.campaign.gov.uk.

I don’t know who I’m sponsoring-we met online-should I give them my passport details?

It is your decision whether to share your personal information. However, if you have any concerns, we recommend that you ask the sponsoring individual for details and then fill out the visa application form on behalf of that individual.

Do I need to tell the landlord if I want to rent?

If you want to rent, you need to ask the landlord for permission.

What about my mortgage and household insurance?

In some cases, you may need to check with freeholders, mortgage providers, and insurance companies to see if there are any policies you need to consider. Before a guest arrives, it’s important to think about how it will affect tenants, mortgages, leasing and insurance.

Insurance companies do not expect homeowners participating in Ukrainian homes to contact them, but if you are a landlord or tenant you will need to. More details can be found on the UK Insurance Association website. Mortgage holders need to contact the lender.

How long do accommodations need to be provided?

We ask people to provide stable accommodation for at least 6 months, but you and your guests can extend this if they want to.

What happens at the end of the 6-month sponsorship period?

If you and your guests want to do so, you may choose to continue for more than 6 months.

If you do not want to do this, you need to inform the guest in sufficient time so that they can make other arrangements.

Ukrainians participating in this project will have access to public funds and will be able to work for the remaining three years to stay in the UK. At the end of their sponsorship, they will be able to borrow.

What if things change and you can’t continue sponsoring?

If you need to close your arrangements early, you should inform the local council as soon as possible so that guests can help find alternative accommodation.

How do guests need to contact me?

You should provide your guests with instructions on the best way to get to your home.

If you cannot meet your guest, you will need to explain how to contact them from your chosen arrival point.

Guests can travel anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales for free via the National Railways, Light Rails, Buses and Coaches. All you have to do is show your Ukrainian passport and boarding pass, or a ticket indicating that you have entered the country within the last 48 hours. For more information, please visit: Nationalrail.co.uk/ukraine

Can I bring my pet?

The new process will help people bring pets from Ukraine. The Department of Animal and Plant Health provides prompt approval and quarantine free of charge. Ukrainians traveling to the UK should contact the Department of Animal and Plant Hygiene before departure.

“I am inspired by the generosity of people.”

Seeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine unfold, productivity coach Juliet Landau Pope, 58, sought to figure out how to help.

Her grandfather, Heymann Povelevsky, fled Kyiv to London in 1907 to escape the persecution of anti-Semitism. Therefore, she feels a special connection with her country.

Juliet has launched a free service that provides advice and practical assistance to those who are trying to clean up a spare room to accommodate Ukrainian refugees.

“I’m a member of Professional Declutterers & Organisers, so when I posted to the Facebook group, it snowballed from there,” she says.

“We’ve put together a spreadsheet with volunteer contact details and divided the list into those who visit home and those who provide advice online.” Juliet can’t accept refugees himself for practical reasons. , I am happy to be able to help you in another way.

“Within three days, more than 50 organizers have been added to the list, and that number continues to grow,” she says. “I am also inspired by seeing so much positiveness and generosity.”

■■ Find out how you can help
Today ukstandswithukraine.campaign.gov.uk

Ukrainian family?

The Ukrainian Family System provides a route for Ukrainians with families in the UK to come here. Applicable to British citizens or Ukrainian families with resident status. This system is free and Ukrainian citizens are granted a visa to the UK for 3 years.

To apply, follow the following step-by-step process.

1 Go to gov.uk/UFS to start the online application form.

2 Upload your passport scan as part of your application.

Three UK teams will carry out security and protection checks.

4 You will receive an email confirming your entry permit to the UK.

5 You will receive a 6-month immigration stamp certifying your right to work, study and claim benefits in the UK. Upon arrival in the UK, you will need to apply to extend your stay for up to 36 months.

■ This article is part of a paid partnership with the UK Government.