If you're a Ukrainian guest, ask your host to let Hertfordshire County Council know you have arrived.

Your host should email H4Ukraine@hertfordshire.gov.uk and tell us:

• your full name(s) and dates of birth
• the date your visas were issued
• the date that you arrived at their home.

What happens next?
Once we have been notified of your arrival, we will send you a guest declaration, to confirm your details. This declaration must be completed by you before we can make your £200 welcome payment and make thank you payments to your sponsor/host. These payments will be in the form of Post Office vouchers which don't require a bank account to use. You can visit any Post Office branch to scan the code and receive the cash payment – Find a Post Office.

You'll then need to: 

1. Apply for a eVisa
2. Find a doctor
3. Contact us about school places if you have a child with you. See the Education section below.

Week one guidance for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (GOV.UK)

Payments to hosts - the 'thank you payment' to your host is made once a month. To receive this payment, your host is not able to charge you rent but can ask you to make a reasonable contribution to household expenses. We have produced a guidance sheet for hosts regarding what is a reasonable contribution, which you can find here 

• Homes for Ukraine Contributions Guidance Sheet - EN (PDF 140KB)
• Homes for Ukraine Contributions Guidance Sheet - UK (PDF 136KB)

A second Homes for Ukraine visa – please note that if you are arriving on a second Homes for Ukraine visa, you will not be eligible for the £200 welcome payment or other financial incentives from the Homes for Ukraine team.

New eVisas are here. Take action today.

The UK is replacing physical immigration documents with digital ones called eVisas. If you currently use a physical document to prove your immigration status and don’t have a UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) account, you need to take action.

Who needs to take action?

• If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP) or indefinite leave to enter/remain in the UK with a passport stamp or vignette sticker, you need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa before your current document expires.
• Most BRPs will expire on 31 December 2024. Do not apply for a replacement BRP; instead, create a UKVI account to get your eVisa. Until the end of 2024, you will still need to carry your physical document when you travel.

Lost or stolen BRP?

• Only request a replacement BRP if it is lost or stolen and you have no other ID to set up your UKVI account. Note that any replacement will also expire on 31 December 2024.

Creating a UKVI account

• It’s free and easy to create a UKVI account, and you usually won’t need to send any documents to the Home Office. eVisas are secure and can’t be lost, stolen, or tampered with. Create your account here: www.gov.uk/evisa.

Need Help?

• For more information, visit www.gov.uk/evisa.
• For information on services who can support you with your eVisa, visit: List of organisations - GOV.UK or email the Ukrainian-speaking team at HCNS at hcnsukraine@herts.help

If you’re a Ukrainian national, or the family member of a Ukrainian national, and are living in the UK with existing permission on one of the Ukraine schemes, you may be eligible to apply for UPE to continue living in the UK for up to a further 18 months if it is your first UPE visa, or 24-months, if it is your second UPE visa. From 8^th April 2026 you can apply 90-days in advance of your visa expiring. The extension will start at the end of the current visa.

It is free to apply. You'll need to apply online. If your application is successful, you'll be able to continue living, working and studying in the UK and accessing public funds.

Please note that if you hold a UPE phase 2 visa, you will not be eligible to apply for financial support from the Homes for Ukraine team.

If you do not apply you will lose your right to rent, work or receive any financial support

Applying to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme (GOV.UK)

There is a wide range of support available specifically for guests and hosts in Hertfordshire. Find out more in our guidance:

• Ukraine support available guidance sheet (PDF 299KB)
• Ukraine support available guidance sheet - Ukrainian (PDF 572KB)

 If you would like information on local Ukrainian Saturday schools or community groups, please email h4ukraine@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Additional support available

Libraries – borrow books, eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers, magazines, DVDs and use computers, printers and photocopiers. Many of our libraries stock Ukrainian language books and resources.

Hertfordshire Directory - the Hertfordshire Directory is designed to help residents, professionals and service providers locate a wide range of local support, services and activities for adults, children and families in Hertfordshire.

You might be an unpaid carer...
If you have come to the UK with elderly or disabled family members, you might be able to get extra help and support. Learn more in our guidance:

• Unpaid carers guidance sheet (PDF 294KB)
• Unpaid carers guidance sheet - Ukrainian (PDF 580KB)

If you don’t speak English, you should take English language courses as soon as possible. This will help you enjoy life in the UK without language barriers.

Ways to find English language classes in Hertfordshire:

• Step2Skills provides adult education in Hertfordshire including English for Speakers of Other Languages (‘ESOL’) –  English and Maths courses. Step2Skills aim to deliver English languages classes where there is a demand, so if you can't find any courses available on their website, email step2skills@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
• Job Centres in Hertfordshire offer some English learning courses to Ukrainian guests who are claiming benefits. Contact your local Job Centre Plus to find out more. Find your nearest Jobcentre Plus
• Some local community groups offer English conversation groups and/or classes. You can ask your local groups if this is something they offer, or alternatively, you can contact h4ukraine@hertfordshire.gov.uk who may be able to signpost you to something in your area.
• You may also find some free online English courses, for example ESOL courses – free English lessons online.

Jobcentre Plus

Find your nearest Jobcentre Plus

• They offer courses for people looking for work. That includes how to write a CV and preparing for interviews.
• They have details of local employers who have job vacancies and support refugee schemes.
• People claiming Universal Credit can get up to 85% off their childcare costs.
• Assistance with travel costs is available for people who do find employment. Temporary bus passes and cheaper travel cards may also be available.
• If you need to prove your qualifications, you could get a Statement of Comparability, even if the original documentation is not available.

Speak to a Jobcentre Plus adviser for more information.

Find a job

Find full or part-time jobs

You can use your Biometric Residence Permit/eVisa as evidence of your immigration status in the UK, including your right to work.

You can also prove your right to work at www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work.

If an employer requires a DBS check, you can get a Criminal Record Certificate from Ukraine – Criminal Record Certificate from Ukraine

The Refugee Council can also help you get a job – contact  recruitment@refugeecouncil.org.uk or call 07931308165.

Setting up your own business

The UK Centre for Professional Qualifications can advise you on working as a professional or setting up your own business.

Calculating take home pay

Work out how much salary you take home and how much tax and National Insurance you pay – www.thesalarycalculator.co.uk.

Claiming benefits

You may be eligible to claim certain benefits. More about claiming benefits

Benefits and budgeting advice for refugees: from Hertfordshire County Council’s Money Advice Unit: This is a free service. Email mauadmin@hertfordshire.gov.uk or call 01438 843456.

Translation services are available to help with phone applications – call 0800 328 5644.

Citizens Advice can also assist you in understanding what benefits you may be entitled to claim. Contact them here: Asylum & Refugee Advice Service - (hertscitizensadvice.org.uk) 

If a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you're concerned about the safety of someone in Hertfordshire, report it at:

• Report a concern about an adult
• Report a concern about a child

You can also speak to the Homes for Ukraine team in relation to any welfare concerns – email h4ukraine@hertfordshire.gov.uk or call 01992 555153.

If you're concerned about modern slavery or exploitation, contact the Modern slavery helpline.

Adult social care in Hertfordshire – support for adults with disabilities or health conditions, older people and carers.

If you have a concern about extremism, radicalisation or supporting terrorism please report this to prevent@hertfordshire.gov.uk

More about health and wellbeing support available

Can local councils provide housing?

One of the main reasons the Homes for Ukraine scheme exists is that councils don't have enough affordable, readily available homes to house people who need it.

There are already extremely long waiting lists. Most councils, including Hertfordshire, will not be able to support Ukrainian arrivals with long-term accommodation once their sponsorships finish.

We encourage guests and sponsors to persist with hosting arrangements or move into independent accommodation privately, wherever possible. 

What to do if your sponsorship/hosting is coming to an end

If you think that your current sponsorship arrangement may come to an end soon, it's important to start planning, reviewing your options and organising your finances.

A planned and managed move to new accommodation will always be the best option for you but, if you believe that your current hosting arrangement might end before you find alternative accommodation, email h4ukraine@hertfordshire.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Private renting

Even if you are not yet ready to move on from your hosting arrangement, it is a good idea to understand the process so that you can begin to prepare for this situation, if it does arise. 

• Private renting in Hertfordshire guidance (PDF 366KB)
• Private renting in Hertfordshire guidance - Ukrainian (PDF 469KB)

If you are preparing to move into privately-rented accommodation, you may wish to apply for Hertfordshire County Council’s Ukraine rent deposit scheme.

This scheme is available to all eligible guests living in Hertfordshire under the Homes for Ukraine scheme who can afford a long-term tenancy but may need help with the initial lump sum.

• Information for landlords and letting agents (PDF 240KB)
• Information for landlords and letting agents - Ukrainian (PDF 247KB)

If you move out of sponsored accommodation into a privately-rented property or a home of your own, you will become liable for paying Council Tax. Ukrainians living in the UK on the Homes for Ukraine visa scheme may be able to claim a discount on this bill. For more details contact your local district and borough housing team or look for more information: Renting private accommodation: Homes for Ukraine - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Moving on from current hosting arrangements

Many Ukrainian guests have now been living in Hertfordshire for well over a year and will be looking to the future and their longer-term housing arrangements. The main options for accommodation beyond your original hosting arrangement are:

• continue with your original sponsor/host
•  Some Ukrainian guests will choose to look for a new host and this process is referred to as ‘rematching’.

• Community rematching guidance (PDF 225KB)
• Community rematching guidance - Ukrainian (PDF 305KB)
• if you need a rematch host or you are considering community rematching, please contact h4ukraine@hertfordshire.gov.uk in the first instance

• secure your own private rented accommodation.
• please note that if you hold a UPE visa, you may not be eligible for rematching. Contact h4ukraine@hertfordshire.gov.uk to confirm your eligibility before searching for a new host

There's currently a shortage of affordable housing in Hertfordshire. Most guests will find it difficult to find affordable, private rented accommodation where they are currently settled, and this process may take some time.

However, some current sponsorship arrangements may need to come to an end for a variety of reasons. New accommodation will need to be found. We encourage guests and hosts to begin to plan for moving into independent accommodation, even if this will not happen very soon. The more time spent planning and organising, the greater the chances of a smooth transition into independent accommodation when the time comes.

Dedicated refugee housing and employment rights support service from Citizens Advice Asylum & Refugee Advice Service (hertscitizensadvice.org.uk). This is a free service.

You can also get support from the Ukrainian speaking team at HCNS. 

Lodging arrangements

Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, hosts can't charge rent and instead receive monthly thank you payments. Some hosts may consider switching to a lodging arrangement where the guest stays in their home but begins to pay rent. In that case, the host no longer receives thank you payments.

Switching to a lodging arrangement is likely to offer sponsors/hosts a longer-term and increased income stream. For many guests, this will also be an affordable option as it will either be more affordable than private rented accommodation or, if they get Universal Credit, they would become eligible for housing benefit.

Sponsors/hosts and guests should have an open and honest conversation before putting any such arrangement in place.

• Lodging arrangements guidance (PDF 424KB)
• Lodging arrangements guidance - Ukrainian (PDF 522KB)

School Place & Home to School Transport

When you apply for a school place, ensure that you note on the application that the child is an arrival from Ukraine and what scheme they are under.

You will need to provide:

• proof of the child’s UK address (an email from your sponsor confirming that the child is living at their address, including full name and address)
• a copy of the parent and child's entry documentation (copy of visa and Ukraine passport). 

Once your application and supporting documents are received, your child will be allocated a school place within 15-20 school days (depending on availability of places in the area).  There may be a delay if your application is received during a school holiday. 

Whilst your application is being processed, you will not receive any updates unless there are any queries or issues to discuss. The child should start at the school within 10 school days of being offered the place.

Make sure that, where any child has health or special needs, this is indicated on the application. If they had a Ukrainian equivalent of an education, health and care plan, give details of this to ensure our Special Educational Needs team can support them, such as if they need a specialist placement.

Schools have been asked to place children in a year group where their abilities best fit rather than based on age. This is a decision that the school will be best placed to make.

Find out more information here - School admissions and transport | Hertfordshire County Council

Free school meals

We expect that most of our Ukrainian guest children will be entitled to free school meals when they first arrive in Hertfordshire. This means they will be given a lunchtime meal every day they attend school. This may change if their parent’s work status changes.

School uniform

Most schools in the UK have a uniform policy where children must where a specific school uniform when they're at school. Once you have your school place, your school will provide you with further details. Many school uniform items can be bought quite affordably in supermarkets, but certain items e.g. secondary school blazers are more expensive.

Education for 16-18 year olds

If your child is 16 or over, they will need to find a sixth form or college. Sixth forms are part of secondary schools for 16-18 year olds. Contact schools direct

Childcare for younger children

Most children start full-time school the September following their 4th birthday. The government welcome pack explains the different type of childcare options available for children who are too young to attend school.  Depending on your circumstances and the age of your child you may be entitled to some free childcare.

Hertfordshire childcare finder

If your child is under 2,there is no government scheme to assist with the cost of childcare for children under two. However, the Family Centre Service offers support, fun play sessions and a chance to meet new people. 

If your child is 2, you may be eligible for 15 hours of free childcare each week (during term-time). This depends upon your circumstances. Check whether you are eligible online

If your child is 3 or 4, you are entitled to at least 15 hours of free childcare each week (during term-time). There's no application, code or voucher required. Just find a childcare provider and contact them directly about accessing some free childcare with them.

• Dacorum Citizens Advice Slides
• Dacorum Citizens Advice Slides - UK Translation
• H4U Webinar Slides

Everyone in the UK needs to be registered with a family doctor. In the UK, this is called your GP (a general practitioner). You need to register before being given an NHS number.

The reception staff at your local GP’s surgery can guide through the registration process, either in person or on the phone. You don't need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number to register, but it would be helpful to bring any background medical information.

It's really important that you register with a GP as soon as possible after arrival, even if you don't have existing health issues.

It can take some time to get a GP appointment. It may also be necessary to then be referred to a specialist before being given a prescription for medicine.

Don't wait for existing medicine supplies to run low before contacting a GP.

All guests should also receive a health assessment with their GP within 6 months of arrival. Contact your GP if you have not been offered this after 6 months.

About NHS Health Checks

For urgent, but non-emergency advice, phone 111 or visit an urgent care centre.

For emergency situations likely requiring an ambulance, dial 999 or attend an Accident and Emergency (A & E) department at a local hospital. A & E departments in Hertfordshire: 

• Lister Hospital, Coreys Mill Lane, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 4AB (01438 314333)
• Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0HB (01923 244366).

In Ukraine, medication is purchased over the counter at pharmacists so it can often be collected without forward planning. The UK system is different and many medicines are not available over the counter without a prescription. 

Most medication for ongoing conditions must be prescribed by a GP or specialist doctor prior to being collected at a pharmacy, which can take time to organise. 

When you collect the prescription, you'll be asked if you're eligible for free prescriptions or if you usually pay. If you must pay the full amount, the current cost of a prescription in England is £9.35. However, you may not have to pay due to age, income or medical exemption.

Who can get free prescriptions (NHS)

Pharmacists also offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for minor illnesses such as:

• coughs
• colds
• sore throats
• stomach trouble
• aches and pains. 

Seeing a pharmacist is often the quickest way to get professional advice about a minor health concern.

Find a pharmacy (NHS)

You can get dental services from the NHS, although not every dentist accepts NHS patients.

Find a dentist (NHS)

About NHS dental charges

Flourish is the Hertfordshire mental health and wellbeing support service for all refugees and asylum seekers aged 16+. Flourish can provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to those who are experiencing mental ill health, or need support with their mental wellbeing or daily challenges. T: 0203 727 3600 
E: flourish@hertsmindnetwork.org

Where someone needs support with more practical issues a good first point of call is the Hospital & Community Navigation Service. 

Email: hcnsukraine@herts.help to speak to a Ukrainian speaking team member. 

For any mental health related issues get in contact with any of the services at NHS Hertfordshire (Get Help)

Samaritans is a well-known charity that provides a 24-hour helpline every day of the year for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure or is feeling suicidal.

Contact Samaritans

Bereavement support

Some guests may be struggling with the loss of a loved one. There are bereavement support services in Hertfordshire available to help.

There are various services available locally and nationally to support you in a range of areas. For information on other services, including but not limited to; drug and alcohol support, sexual health, gambling, stopping smoking and weight management, visit: Health in Herts | Hertfordshire County Council

Once your guest arrives you should email us to tell us:

• their full name and date of birth
• the date their visas were issued
• the date they arrived at your home.

Once we have been notified of your guest’s arrival, we will send them guest declaration form, which includes all relevant information, including requesting a share code, to confirm their details. This declaration must be completed by your guest before we can make their £200 welcome payment.

You can then help your guest get started with things like applying for an eVisa, contacting a doctor, and applying for a school place if you're hosting a child. See the 'getting started' advice at the top of this page.

Find local support groups for hosts and guests, including help to overcome language barriers and improve English skills.

• Ukraine support available guidance sheet (PDF 299KB)
• Ukraine support available guidance sheet - Ukrainian (PDF 572KB)

We can support you with thinking through your approach to sponsorship, whether you're a new host or have been supporting a guest for some time. Find out more in our guidance:

• Your hosting relationship guidance (PDF 364KB) 
• Your hosting relationship guidance - Ukrainian (PDF 498KB)

The UPE scheme allows guests on a Homes for Ukraine visa to apply for their UPE phase 1 visa (their first UPE visa) to continue living in the UK for 18-months. If you are still hosting your guest whilst they hold a UPE phase 1 visa, you will continue to receive thank you payments.

Guests who already hold a UPE visa, can apply for a UPE phase 2 visa, offering them a further 24-months to continue living in the UK. Please note that if you are still hosting your guest whilst they hold a UPE phase 2 visa, you will not receive thank you payments.

Both UPE visas are free to apply for. Your guest will need to apply online. If their application is successful, they will be able to continue living, working and studying in the UK and accessing public funds. If your guests do not apply, they will lose your right to rent, work or receive any financial support

It will be free to apply. They will need to apply online. If their application is successful, they will be able to continue living, working and studying in the UK and accessing public funds.

Applying to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme (GOV.UK)

Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme - information for hosts (PDF, 145KB)

Guests can apply for a second Homes for Ukraine visa if the requirements are met, this includes:

• being outside of the UK at the time of application
• having an eligible UK-based sponsor.

Apply for a visa under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship scheme (GOV.UK)

Guests arriving on a second Homes for Ukraine visa will not be eligible for another welcome payment.

Sponsors who are sponsoring guests for a second time in Hertfordshire may be required to re-do the pre-arrival checks (accommodation and DBS checks). They will be eligible to receive the monthly Thank You payments and Hertfordshire top-ups, if the other payment criteria are met.

Sponsors who are sponsoring guests who weren’t previously sponsored in Hertfordshire must complete the pre-arrival checks. They will be eligible to receive the monthly Thank You payments, if the other payment criteria are met, but will not be eligible to receive the Hertfordshire top-ups. Guests will also not be eligible to apply for financial support. 

To supplement your regular government payments (£350 per month), Hertfordshire County Council provide a monthly top-up of £50 per guest, up to a maximum of £200 top-up per month.

The £350 regular government payment and Hertfordshire County Council monthly top-up payment, should be enough to cover the increase costs with hosting. In some instances, you may wish to ask your guest to contribute to bills or shared costs, such as food shopping – see our guidance sheet for more information;

• Homes for Ukraine Contributions Guidance Sheet - EN (PDF 140KB)
• Homes for Ukraine Contributions Guidance Sheet - UK (PDF 136KB)

We'll pay you these top-ups automatically - you don't need to submit a claim. They won't affect your entitlement to any benefits.

A guest must stay with you for at least half a month for you to be eligible for any payments.  A guest is also able to take a holiday, of up to 4 weeks, and, if their belongings remain at your property, you are still eligible for the thank you payment. 

These payments are tax-free as long as you and your guests are both approved under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

If you have any queries regarding your payments, please refer to the Terms and Conditions you have signed or contact h4ukraine@hertfordshire.gov.uk

If sponsoring/hosting is ending, you should give guests 2 months' notice where possible, and email h4ukraine@hertfordshire.gov.uk to notify the team. Please provide the date your hosting will be ending, and if your guests have any confirmed arrangements to move on.

Community rematching

You may know somebody who can become a host for your guests - this is known as community rematching. Please do not arrange for your guests to move to a new host without speaking to the Homes for Ukraine team beforehand.Contact h4ukraine@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you have identified a community rematch host for your guests.

• Find out more information about rematching
• Community rematching guidance (PDF 225KB)
• Community rematching guidance - Ukrainian (PDF 305KB)