Getting started – if you’re new to the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
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?
When we are notified, we’ll make a £200 payment (per person) via email. 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:
- Apply for a eVisa
- Find a doctor
- 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.
eVisas
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?
Local groups and support
There is a wide range of support available specifically for guests and hosts in Hertfordshire. Find out more in our guidance:
Additional support available
Online LGBTQ+ Group – weekly online zoom meetings provided by Herts Mind Network. A safe space, free from discrimination, where you can share experiences, learn new skills and improve your quality of life.
Transgender and non-binary support group – monthly group meetings, swim sessions and more.
Libraries – borrow books, eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers, magazines, DVDs and use computers, printers and photocopiers. Many of our libraries stock Ukrainian language books and resources.
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:
English language skills
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 classes. These vary from area to area – contact the groups in your area to see what's available.
- You may also find some free online English courses, for example ESOL courses – free English lessons online.
Jobs
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) Contact their Ukraine support service
Safety and welfare
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:
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
Accommodation and moving on
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.
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 ‘re-matching’.
- secure your own private rented accommodation.
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.
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.
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 guests living in Hertfordshire under the Homes for Ukraine scheme who can afford a long-term tenancy but may need help with the initial deposit.
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)
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.
Education
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.