Money and Finance

Expected Income Support

The Department for Work and Pensions has implemented emergency regulations (Monday 21 March 2022) so those arriving in the UK from Ukraine as a result of the Russian invasion can access Universal Credit and jobs support immediately

Ukrainians will be eligible for Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Child Disability Living Allowance and Carers Allowance, and Attendance Allowance. Contributions-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) are also available for those Ukrainians who meet the criteria.

On Arrival

Every Ukrainian refugee will be given a £200 payment under its Homes for Ukraine initiative. However it is essential that the Ukrainian guests open a UK bank account.

REDCROSS - Get £50 per person for your Ukrainian Family

The British Red Cross is giving £50 financial support for the Ukrainian Guests.

Please direct your guests to the British Red Cross Support line number 08081963651 open daily between 10-6pm.

They will be required to show passport evidence and visa stamp to claim £50 per person up to maximum family of 6 within 14 days of arrival.

They will receive a preloaded credit card to a home address by mail within 24-48hours.

Opening UK Bank Accounts

It is important to Set up a UK bank account as it is needed for universal credit. Most of the major banks have waived the requirement for proof of address when opening a basic account for the Ukrainian guests, also the transfer fees when sending money to Ukraine.

The experience with traditional banks such as NatWest took over 2 weeks to set up the account - check https://www.natwest.com/ukraine-refugees.html.

The on-line banks such as Revolut, Monzo or Virgin Money seem to be responding much quicker.

Help with School Uniforms

There is financial help to support the purchase of school uniforms. Please fill in the form on the link below.

For people who have already purchased uniforms then if you still have proof of purchase then we may consider providing funding for those purchases as long as applications are made before 30 November.

Click here to fill in form for school uniform funding.