Your guest can claim benefits immediately if they have arrived through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. If they've not already done so, it is important that they apply for Universal Credit as soon as possible. This will provide them with a regular income until you they able to find work in the UK.
Universal credit is normally only paid from the date a claim is received and the first payment will be made 5 weeks after the claim, so your guest will need to claim as soon as possible after their arrival in the UK.
WHAT THEY NEED TO DO
➡️ Step 1: Open a bank account
All major banks will apply flexibility around proof of address and other supporting documentation requirements in the account opening process. The following banks have set up dedicated pages to support Ukrainian nationals:
➡️ Step 2: Find out how much they're entitled to
They can calculate their entitlement based on their individual circumstances by using the following calculator - 🔗click here
➡️ Step 3: Starting their Universal Credit application
To start their application, 🔗 click here. You will also find more information on this link on how they can submit their claim.
If they have children, they may also be entitled to child benefits. To apply for child benefits, 🔗 click here.
⭐️ If they're unsure what to do, they can talk by phone or online with advisers from the free Help to Claim service at Citizens Advice. They can also arrange a translator if your guest needs one. Contact them 🔗 here.
East Sussex County Council are offering a range of activities which are free for Ukrainian families during school holidays at our 'Holiday food and fun' clubs.
For six weeks during school holidays throughout the year (Easter, summer and Christmas) local clubs will be serving up a menu of activities for children and young people of all ages, plus there’s food to enjoy too.
It’s a great opportunity for children and young people to enjoy a range of fun things to do. Activities may include sports, games, arts, crafts, music, and nature.
These clubs are free for Ukrainian families. Your guest can find and book their place at your local Holiday food and fun club here.
Across East Sussex, local groups and organisations are providing activities and support to assist Ukrainian guests in getting to know their new community.
For more information on the community-based activities and support in your area, contact one of the following organisations:
If you are in Hastings Borough, email Hastings Voluntary Action - 📩 ukraine@hastingsvoluntaryaction.org.uk
If you are in Rother District, email Rother Voluntary Action - 📩 ukrainesupport@rva.uk.com
If you are in either Lewes District, Wealden District, or Eastbourne Borough, email 3VA 📩 ukraine@3va.org.uk
If your guest has young children, there is support available for childcare. Before children start school, guests can get help towards their childcare. This could include:
- A limited amount of free childcare places for children aged 3 and 4
- A limited amount of free childcare if they are working and their child is aged 3 and 4
- A limited amount of free childcare if their child is 2 and they are on a very low income.
They may also be able to get money off their childcare bills if they are working or are on Universal Credit.
For more information, 🔗 click here.
For your guest to find registered childcare providers in East Sussex 🔗 click here.
East Sussex County Council has created a Facebook group for Ukrainians in East Sussex. This group will allow us to communicate important and useful updates directly to your guest. 📲
These updates will include everything from community events, to job opportunities, language courses, offers and more.
If your guest(s) haven't already done so, they can join our group here. ⬇️
Please remember that we ask all hosts to update our online form twice only.
First - When you give us details of everyone aged 16 or over in your household so we can carry out safety checks
Second - please use the form to tell us when your guests arrive. This will help us speed up payments and services that are due.
You only need to do each of these steps once. If you've already updated the form, you do not need to do it again - thank you.
This newsletter is sent to every host (sponsor) in East Sussex who is part of Homes for Ukraine to keep you updated. You can unsubscribe at any time.
We expect to send you a further update next week. Until then, we'd like to wish you all an enjoyable weekend.
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