Homes for Ukraine Scheme – Guests

Before travelling to the UK

Make sure you obtain permission to enter the UK before you travel. From the 7th December 2023, the UK Government has made significant and important changes to the visa application process under Homes for Ukraine scheme. Please see Guidance for Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members to come to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

The steps involved in the new process are now:

• Starting your visa application online.
  For the Homes for Ukraine (Sponsorship) visa scheme, the link to start the application is via the first ‘Start Now’ button on this page: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-visa-under-the-ukraine-sponsorship-scheme. Either the sponsor or the guest can apply, or it can be done together. The form should be filled in from the perspective of the visa applicant. We advise both parties being available to speak to each other during the process.
• Selecting a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give biometric information*.
  You have to select the country where you would like to give biometrics. Usually, this would be the country you are in already. This is also the location where you will collect your visa once it’s approved. When booking your biometric appointment, make sure you select the option for a FREE self-serve appointment, not a paid one.
• Uploading any documentary evidence asked for with the application. Be careful to put in the information from the passport exactly as it is defined on the passport itself, for example the ‘Place of Issue’ or ‘Issuing Authority’ might be a code on the passport rather than an actual place.
  Keep the application submission reference number that you receive somewhere safe.
  In order to upload supporting documents, the ‘Evidence’ section is completed after the application itself is submitted. You will need clear pictures of any identity documents required to be uploaded at the end of the application process. You may also need to provide a proof of address in Ukraine.
• Providing your biometric information at your selected VAC*.
  As part of your application you`ll have to visit the VAC centre that you`ve chosen earlier in order to have your your photograph and fingerprints taken. 
• Collecting your visa from your selected VAC*.
  Once your application is approved, you’ll be notified and will need to return to the VAC to collect your visa before you travel to the UK. This visa will allow you to board a plane or other form of transport to the UK.

*If you received a visa by visiting a Visa Application Centre abroad, then you have 90 days to travel to the UK.
Always read carefully any instructions and communications you receive, to see what to do next for your particular circumstance.
If you have any questions or require any help, please contact us at homesforukraine@molevalley.gov.uk.

When you have got your visa, you can arrange travel to the UK. Please get in touch with your host to agree the date of arrival.

You should pay for your own travel to the UK. Hosts can choose to help with these costs but they do not have to. If there are financial issues making it difficult to travel, you may want to contact the Home Office to seek financial support.

You are entitled to free travel within the first 48 hours of your arrival in the UK, for a single end to end journey to enable you to get to your initial destination (such as your sponsor’s address) within the UK. You only need to show your Ukrainian passport and your boarding pass or ticket showing arrival into the country within the last 48 hours.

The coach company National Express offers free travel to Ukrainians who arrive in the UK. The free travel can be arranged from a UK arrival point to another location currently served on the National Express network.

Changes to the Homes for Ukraine scheme

The Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme will continue to function, but new applicants will be granted 18 months leave to remain from 19th of February 2024(rather than 3 years prior to this date).

Amended criteria for sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme mean that for applications submitted after 3pm on 19 February 2024, sponsors must have British or Irish citizenship, settled status or indefinite leave to remain in the UK. See Guest eligibility, application process and checks: Homes for Ukraine (updated 19 February 2024); and Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament (19 Feb 2024).

Children being sponsored by a parent or legal guardian: Homes for Ukraine

A parent (or legal guardian) who holds permission under any of the Ukraine Schemes can apply to sponsor their child under Homes for Ukraine. Children sponsored by their parents (or legal guardians) will hold permission to live in the UK for up to 18 months. They will have access to education, healthcare, benefits and employment (as appropriate under UK law).

Please note that a parent or legal guardian who is sponsoring their child will not qualify for thank you payments.

Please read more information about eligibility and application process on the government website.

Closure of Ukraine Family Scheme

The Ukraine Family Scheme is now closed to new applicants as of 3pm 19 February 2024. This means that new applications to come to the UK can only be made under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. All applications under the Family Scheme that were received before the closure of the scheme will be decided under the previous rules for that scheme. (See 5.9 of the Explanatory Memorandum to the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules).

Ukraine Extension Scheme

The Ukraine Extension Scheme closed for most new applicants on 16 May 2024; but applications can still be made under this Scheme after 16 May 2024 for children born in the UK to parents who have permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes. Such children can be granted leave in line with their parent(s). See Ukraine Extension Scheme (updated 19 February 2024), pp 8-9.

Ending the use of Permission to Travel Letters

Please note, that from 00:01 GMT on 13 February 2025, individuals are no longer able to travel to or enter the UK using an open-ended permission to travel (PTT) letter without accompanying permission to enter the UK. From this time, PTT letters ceased to be valid for travel on airlines, trains or ferries, and individuals carrying them without permission will be refused entry at the UK border and may be returned to their place of departure.

Please read more information on the government website: If you have a permission to travel letter.

1. Create a UK Visas and Immigration account and switch to e-visa–  The UK Home Office ceased to issue physical biometric residence permits (BRPs) on 31 October 2024. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have developed a digital immigration system. Please find below more detailed information in the section ‘Create your UKVI account and switch to eVisa’.
2. Registering with the GP – You can see the closest GP surgeries in your area using this link. After you decide which one you would like to register with, you should submit an online application on the website of that particular surgery. Alternatively, you can visit the surgery and complete an application there. It is free of charge. You can contact us at homesforukraine@molevalley.gov.uk if you need some help.
3. Bank account – You can open an account at any UK bank. The bank might request a share code as confirmation of your immigration status in the UK, you can generate it in your UKVI account. You will also need proof of your address in the UK, please contact us and we will provide it. If you are planning to apply for Universal credit, you will require a bank account.
4. National Insurance Number – In order to work in the UK or to claim benefits, you will have to apply for the National Insurance Number.
5. Job search – There is an employment advisor in the Mole Valley area who is helping Ukrainian guests with finding employment – you can get in touch by filling out a form on Central Surrey Voluntary Action page. You can access a detailed guide in Ukrainian on how to find employment in the UK on Opora website.
6. Share code –  It can be used to prove your immigration status in the UK to others, for example employers or landlords. You can get a share code using this link.
7. Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, temporarily out of work or you cannot work. Please find more information about Universal credit  and follow this guide in order to apply.
8. Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. The application can only be made by phone or post, please find contact details here.
9. Child Benefit is money paid to parents or other people who are responsible for bringing up a child. Please find more information via this link.
10. Free bus pass scheme is available for Ukrainians who arrived to Mole Valley district under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Please submit an application.  The scheme will continue until 31^st of March 2026.
11. Drive confident course – Please use this link to find out more about the offer from the AA Charitable Trust regarding the drive confident course. In order to register for the course, please use this link.
12. English lessons – There are several options where you can access free English lessons:
    – Epsom Refugee Network hub, please follow this link to see the timetable.
    – You can use this link to apply for online English classes. You will have to complete a quick English test and then depending on your level, you will be given a timetable of the online classes.
    – English lessons in Leatherhead on Tuesdays at The Skills Hub, Swan Centre, Leatherhead KT22 8AH.  You can check the timetable by visiting the Meeting Place. If you would like to join, please contact info@themeetingplace.org.uk.
    – Surrey Adult Learning  provide free English language courses for Ukrainian nationals who entered the UK via the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, please find more information here.
13. Local Ukrainian community chat has been created for all  Ukrainian guests to help them connect with other Ukrainian people in the area. Please contact us at homesforukraine@molevalley.gov.uk and we will share a link with you.
14. Leisure centres- the Mole Valley Complimentary Access Scheme is open to Homes for Ukraine guests and Refugees supported under the various Afghan and Syrian Resettlement schemes. If you are eligible under one of these programmes and live within Mole Valley area, you can apply for a free annual Better Health membership providing full access to Dorking Sports Centre and Leatherhead Leisure Centre. Simply complete the form through the link to submit your details.  If there are multiple applicants, please submit one form per applicant. Once your application has been considered you will be contacted with details of how to receive your membership.

Healthcare

The National Health Service (NHS) provides health services to people living in the UK. Most of these services are free. All Ukrainian arrivals are entitled to full and free access to the NHS. The NHS is highlighting the importance of children and young people registering with a GP in particular, so they can access treatment, vaccinations, and mental health support.

Please read more detailed information about healthcare for Ukrainian nationals on Surrey County Council website.

Register with a GP

To help individuals register with GPs, the NHS have developed bilingual registration forms (linked below) and is reminding parents that proof of address or other forms of identification are not required when registering.

Bilingual registration forms can be found here.

More information from government here.

Find a GP that suits what you need. Some GP surgeries offer more services than others. You can look up GP surgeries to see what they offer and how they compare. You can find a GP here.

How do I register with a dentist?

Some dentists offer NHS treatment and private treatment. You should register with a dentist as an NHS patient and let them know if you are receiving benefits, in which case your check-ups and necessary treatment will be free. Note that getting dental treatment before receiving Universal credit can result in charges.

You can search for an NHS dentist near you on this website.

Can I get extra financial support with a health condition?

You might get additional money from Universal Credit if you have a health condition that means you are unable to work or prepare for work.

If you are on a low income you may be eligible to apply to the NHS low income scheme for help with health costs such as prescriptions, dental care and eyesight tests. You can ask your GP practice about this or apply online.

What do I do in a health emergency?

If you have an accident that requires immediate medical treatment you need to go to the nearest hospital that has an Accident and Emergency (“A&E”) Department which are open 24 hours a day or if you are seriously ill and cannot travel you can call for an ambulance by calling “999”. If you have an urgent medical problem and are not sure what to do you can contact 111 an advisor will assess your situation and advise on the next steps. You can request a translator when calling 111 or 999.

Is there support for my mental health?

In the UK your doctor (“GP”) is trained to give guidance and treatment on emotional and mental health as well as physical health.

Please find more mental health support resources on Opora.

Across the UK there are five stages of education:

• early years,
• primary,
• secondary,
• Further Education (FE)
• Higher Education (HE)

Education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 (4 in Northern Ireland) and 16. FE is not compulsory and covers non-advanced education which can be taken at further (including tertiary) education colleges and HE institutions (HEIs). The fifth stage, HE, is study beyond GCSEs and A levels and their equivalent which, for most full-time students, takes place in universities and other HEIs and colleges.

Education in the UK

Ukrainian children and young people will be offered places at the schools that have enough spaces closest to their homes. You can register for schools here  (telephone: 0300 200 1004) Please find practical guidance documents for parents providing key information to help understand the English education system, including how to find a school place. All the guides are available in Ukrainian. Please follow the link.

FAQ

1. Early years – 2 to 5 years

This can take place in a variety of settings including state nursery schools, nursery classes and reception classes within primary schools as well as privately run nurseries and childminders. In England, all three and four year old are entitle to 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year.

2. Compulsory school age

In England, all children aged 5 to 16 are entitled to a free place at a state school and are required to be in full-time education – this is compulsory school age.

The Education system in England is divided into key stages. These are explained on the government website here.

3. Primary – 5 to 11 years

The major goals of primary education are achieving basic literacy and numeracy amongst all pupils, as well as establishing foundations in science, mathematics, and other subjects. Children in England are assessed at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

4. Secondary – 11 to 16 years

In Surrey there are Selective (Grammar) and Non-Selective Schools (all-ability). Grammar Schools admit children based on their performance in the Secondary Transfer Test. At the end of Key Stage 4 pupils are normally entered for a range of external examinations- GCSEs.

5. Further education. 16 to 18 years – compulsory

All young people in England are required to continue in education or training until their 18th birthday and most continue until the end of the academic year in which they turn 18. Please

his guidance is designed for schools and organisations to share with their students in key stage 4.

It aims to support learners who have come from another country and are navigating the UK education system, particularly those aged 15 and above. It provides essential information for those studying at a UK school or preparing to enter college and may also be valuable for parents and carers who are helping learners make decisions about their education.

There are many education options including A Levels, BTECs, NVQs and apprenticeships.

6. Higher education

18 years plus – optional

More resources

You can download a guide in Ukrainian with key information about the education system and how to access it, a welcome to school and classrooms for children and lots of other sources of support here Refugee Education UK | Welcome to the UK!

How to apply for university

Unlike in other countries, you do not apply directly to UK universities with separate applications. If you want to study at a UK university, you must submit your application through UCAS which involves a small fee of about £22. When applying through UCAS you have the option to apply to up to five universities.

On your application you will provide details of all your exams and qualifications, as well as a reference and a personal statement. The personal statement is your opportunity to outline why you are interested in studying your chosen course, as well as describing any extracurricular activities you are interested in outside your studies, such as clubs, societies, extra subject research or sports.

Support for students from Ukraine in UK higher education

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is developing a digital immigration system. This means that biometric residence permits (BRP) are being replaced with an online record of your immigration status. This is known as an eVisa.

The UK Home Office ceased to issue physical biometric residence permits (BRPs) on 31 October 2024. If you have been to a visa application centre overseas and already given your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo of your face), your visa will be valid for 90 days. You will be able to prove your immigration status online, without a BRP when you create a UKVI account to access your eVisa. Lancashire County Council Refugee Integration Team have kindly provided a detailed guide in Ukrainian on how to switch to eVisa, please follow the link to access it. In order to prove your immigration status and conditions, such as your right to work or rent in the UK, you can use the view and prove service.

Depending on how you applied for a visa and when it was granted, you might need to follow a different process after arrival in the UK.

If you have got a BRP that expired on 31 December 2024, please note:

• You should continue to carry your BRP with you when you travel internationally
• Keep your expired BRP card as it may help with future applications to stay in the UK.

The UK government announced that existing Ukraine scheme visa holders will be able to apply for permission to remain in the UK for an additional 18 months under a new Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE). The UPE scheme opened to applications at 09:00 GMT on 4 February 2025.

A Ukrainian national, or the family member of a Ukrainian national, living in the UK with existing permission on one of the Ukraine schemes, may be eligible to apply for UPE to continue living in the UK for up to a further 18 months.

It is free to apply to the new visa route. You will need to make an application online when your current permission has 28 days or less remaining until it expires. If the application is successful, you will be able to continue to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds.

You can access a step-by-step instruction in Ukrainian on how to submit your application on Opora website.

Please read more information about the Ukraine Permission extension scheme on the government page: Applying to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.

Key Updates

• You must be in the UK (and Islands, which includes Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man) when you apply.
• You may be asked to provide proof that you live in the UK and to account for periods spent abroad.
• You can only apply 28 days before your visa expires and a decision will usually be made within 8 weeks.
• If you need to travel abroad close to the expiry date of your existing permission, you should return to the UK within the validity of your existing visa to be able to make a UPE application in the UK.
  – Applicants should not travel outside of the UK or any other part of the Common Travel Area (the Common Travel Area includes UK, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man) whilst waiting for a decision on your application. If you do travel, then your application will be withdrawn and will not be considered.
• You may need one of the following* to qualify: Homes for Ukraine, Family or Extension visa.
  – *Individuals may also be eligible to apply to the UPE scheme if they have been granted Leave outside the Rules in certain circumstances.
  – *A child may be granted less than 18 months permission if their period of permission is being aligned to that of their parent here on existing schemes.
• The scheme will remain free of charge and Immigration Health Surcharge exempt.

You should update your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account if you’ve changed your:

• mobile phone number
• email address
• name
• identity document, such as your passport or national identity card
• home address
• postal address

You can also:

• correct your date of birth
• add an extra nationality – if you have dual nationality, for example
• add an extra identity document
• change your photo, for example if your appearance has changed and you can no longer be recognised from your photo
• give someone else access to your visa applications, if you’d like them to help you apply
• give someone else ownership of the UKVI account, if you set up the account on their behalf

You need to report changes to your circumstances so you keep getting the right amount each month.

You need to report changes as soon as they happen. Any delay may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment.

Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for your whole assessment period – not just from the date you report them.

Changes can include:

• finding or finishing a job
• having a child
• moving in with your partner
• starting to care for a child or disabled person
• changing your mobile number or email address
• moving to a new address
• going outside Great Britain for any length of time, if you live there
• going outside Northern Ireland for any length of time, if you live there
• changing your bank details
• your rent going up or down
• changes to your health condition
• becoming too ill to work or meet your work coach
• changes to your earnings (only if you’re self-employed)
• changes to your savings, investments and how much money you have
• changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen

How to report

You can report a change of circumstances by signing in to your Universal Credit account.

Report a change of circumstances

You can apply for your child to have permission under the Ukraine Extension Scheme if both of the following is true:

• you have permission to be in the UK under one of the Ukraine Schemes (including the Ukraine Family Scheme)
• your child was born in the UK.

This route does not require a UK-based sponsor.

You should make your visa application for your baby as soon as you can but you cannot apply until he/she has a full UK birth certificate.

What to do after the birth of a child in the UK, if you are in the country under the Homes for Ukraine scheme?

1. Register the birth of the child . You can find information about the location of the registration office here.

2. Obtain a birth certificate.

3. Translate and legalize the certificate in the UK.

4. You may also wish to apply for a Ukrainian passport for your child. This means that should you need to travel outside the UK the passport will allow the baby to travel with you and the visa will allow the baby’s re-entry to the UK. Submit an application for the child to be granted Ukrainian citizenship at the consular department of the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK.

Contacts of the Consular Department of the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK:

Website: https://uk.mfa.gov.ua/ 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/consul.uagb

5. Apply for a visa for a child under the Ukraine Extension Scheme.

Children born to parents in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme are eligible to regularise their immigration status through the Ukraine Extension Scheme. Parents should make an application to regularise the child’s position in the UK within the first three months, to ensure the child has immigration status and access to services and benefits, including healthcare.

Information about the Ukraine Extension Scheme can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-to-stay-in-the-uk-under-the-ukraine-extension-scheme

6. Once your child had a visa under the Ukraine Extension Scheme granted, create a UKVI account and switch to eVisa.

We encourage guests and host families to discuss the hosting arrangements on an ongoing basis to keep each other informed. If you would like us to support you in having these conversations, please email us at homesforukraine@molevalley.gov.uk. The Homes for Ukraine team will also be carrying out follow-up visits to hosts and guests every 6 months.

We would recommend that you develop a plan about possible options such as:

• continuing hosting arrangements if both you and your host are happy
• finding a new host (re-matching)
• renting private accommodation or switch to lodging
• contacting MVDC for alternative options

Whatever you decide to do, please let us know as soon as you can. It will make it easier for us to offer support if you need it.

We understand that the hosting arrangements might end for many different reasons. If you would like to move on and require support, please contact us by email: homesforukraine@molevalley.gov.uk.

There are different ways we could help you. For example, we can offer:

• advice
• emergency housing
• re-match (finding a different host)
• assistance into private rented sector accommodation

How to get re-matched?

You can contact us to ask to be re-matched. Then we will attempt to match you with an available host who you will be able to meet before any rematch is confirmed. The ability to find a re-match is dependent on the availability of suitable hosts, therefore cannot be guaranteed. If you hope to be re-matched, please contact us as early as possible to improve your chances of finding a new host by the time your current hosting arrangement comes to an end.

Where a re-match cannot be found, and you have no alternative accommodation, you will be referred to the Council’s Housing Options Team.

You can also use your own networks and connections to find a new host. Please refer your potential host to us  homesforukraine@molevalley.gov.uk for the appropriate checks to be completed and the rematch to be formalised.

The re-match waiting time

There is no guarantee that we will be able to find a re-match. It can be particularly difficult to re-match groups that require 2 or more bedrooms. If we have a host available who has completed all necessary checks, we will re-match you as soon as the host is ready.

Meet each other before the matching

Guest and hosts will be invited for an in-person meeting to give an opportunity to get to know each other prior to confirming a re-match.

Your current host may offer you the option to stay with them as a lodger. This means that you will sign a private lodging agreement and pay rent for the room in their home. This will be cheaper than the cost of renting a separate accommodation.

What support you can expect from us:

• Make an appointment at Mole Valley District Council office to do a calculation of your income and what amount of housing benefit payments to expect.
• Help with reviewing and understanding lodger agreement.

Please read the detailed guide on the government page: Renting rooms in someone’s home: a guide for people renting from resident landlords

Here you can find the differences between being a Guest and a Lodger:

Being a Guest

• Type of arrangement: Home for Ukraine scheme
• Finances: Guests are not allowed to pay rent, but can make contributions towards household bills.
• Eligibility: All hosts will complete the checks under the Homes for Ukraine scheme (DBS and accommodation check)
• Time: minimum 6 months, but depends on the host’s situation

Becoming a Lodger

• Type of arrangement/contract: Lodging agreement on private basis (between the landlord and the lodger)
• Rent: The lodger will pay rent and bills. There is an option to claim Universal Credit towards rent.
• Eligibility: Landlords will not need to complete the checks, but will have other rights and responsibilities
• Time: Flexibility to agree the length of contract ( for example fixed term or monthly rolling contract).

We will continue to support your integration in Mole Valley whilst living as a lodger – if you require help please get in touch with us via homesforukraine@molevalley.gov.uk.

If you require housing advice or assistance, please contact homesforukraine@molevalley.gov.uk to arrange a personal interview.

The Housing Options Officer can help you with:

• affordability calculations of any potential property
• advice on how to get private rented accommodation
• potential financial help with a month’s rent in advance and five weeks’ deposit. This depends on household income
• negotiate with your landlord for you to remain in your current accommodation. This is until you are able to find your own accommodation
• place you into emergency accommodation if you are at risk of becoming homeless. Emergency accommodation could to be outside of Mole Valley.

Please visit our Housing Options page to find out what support you can access.

Renting privately means renting a property from a landlord or a company. The rent is set by your landlord. This is different from social housing where the property is owned by a housing association. There will be a legal contract between you and your landlord. This contract is called a tenancy agreement and covers each party’s rights and responsibilities. Your tenancy will be for at least 6 months to start with. This is known as the ‘fixed term’ of your tenancy. You can find out more about types of tenancy on the government page.

Finding a private rental property

There are many ways to search for properties in the private sector including enquiring in lettings agents, contacting landlords directly and checking advertisement boards, newspaper adverts.

Please review How to rent guide: the checklist for renting in England. This guide is for people who are renting a home privately under an assured shorthold tenancy, either direct from a landlord or through a letting agency.

You can also access a detailed guide in Ukrainian on how to find a rental property on Opora website.

Viewing a property

Make sure you view the property before paying any money. Bear in mind that landlords and lettings agents look for good tenants who are reliable, will keep the property in good condition and pay the rent. They might ask for references from your previous landlord (if you have rented in the UK before), employer and your annual income.

Deposit and deposit protection schemes

Most landlords will expect you to pay a deposit. Some landlords might offer a zero deposit option or agree to you paying a deposit in instalments. Check that the tenancy deposit you’re being asked for is not more than 5 weeks’ rent where annual rent is less than £50,000, or 6 weeks’ rent where annual rent is more than £50,000.Make sure you get a receipt for any money you pay. Your landlord must put your deposit into an approved scheme for safe-keeping. They are not allowed to keep your money themselves. Your landlord must tell you where they have put your money so that you know who to contact if there is any dispute when you leave. You can find out about approved deposit schemes on the government website.

If you cannot afford a deposit or first month rent

Assistance with the deposit and rent in advance may be available if you don’t have sufficient savings. When you find a property, please notify us at homesforukraine@molevalley.gov.uk or your Housing options officer immediately to request support.

Your Housing Options Officer will:

• Confirm whether it is affordable and something we can potentially help with
• If so, they will refer the case to the private rented sector officer
• Do not put down holding deposits until you get a confirmation from your Housing Options Officer

The Private Sector Officer will

• Contact the landlord and visit the property
• Check all the health and safety requirements are met
• Arrange an inventory and check in and tenancy start date with you and the landlord
• Visit you within your first 4 weeks of moving in and then throughout the first year of the tenancy

Paying your rent

What the rent covers

If you have a rented property to yourself, bills are not usually included. In shared properties some or all bills may be covered in the rent, so ask the landlord what is included. It has to be confirmed in the tenancy agreement too.

As well as rent, you will have to pay:

• council tax
• water rates
• gas and electricity bills
• phone and internet charges

If you’re struggling to pay your rent

If you are on a low or no income, you may be eligible to apply for benefits towards your rent payments. You can find out about available benefits on GOV.UK, or use their benefits and financial support checker.

If you are having difficulties with paying your rent, you should contact your landlord (or letting agent) immediately, before the situation gets any worse. You should aim to agree a repayment plan with your landlord for any rent that you owe. However, if you have tried this but have been unable to reach an agreement, we can speak to your landlord on your behalf. Please contact us at homesforukraine@molevalley.gov.uk.

You can also find guidance on help with renting costs on the Citizens Advice website.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) Rates

When applying for assistance with housing costs, the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate is used to decide the maximum cost you can claim. Your entitlement will be calculated based on your household income.
If you are affected by the Benefit Cap, you will not receive the maximum LHA rate.

To find out which LHA rate will be used to assess your claim, use Direct Gov’s Local Housing Allowance rates search:

• step 1: confirm the number of bedrooms your household is entitled to – you can find this out using the Bedroom calculator
• step 2: enter your post code or select your local authority

The average market rent in Surrey is significantly higher than the average Local Housing Allowance rate, so even if you are entitled to the full LHA rate, you may still need to make a contribution to your rent. If your property is no longer affordable for you, please contact us at homesforukraine@molevalley.gov.uk.

The Benefit Cap

The Benefit Cap limits the amount of money that you will receive if you claim certain benefits. You can find information about the benefit cap on the government website. You can also find information on which benefits are/are not included in the Benefit Cap on the Citizens Advice website. If you are affected by the benefit cap and will struggle to afford your current accommodation, we will help you to explore other housing options.

You can also find advice on costs involved in private renting on the Citizens Advice website.

There is a number of regular bills should be paid in the UK. When you are preparing to leave your host and find your own home, you will need to factor in these costs.

Gas and Electricity

Homeowners in the UK are responsible for paying for the exact amount of energy they use. Homes usually have a meter, which tells the energy company how much to charge. You can find tips on how to save money on gas and electricity  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-a-better-energy-deal/save-money-on-your-gas-and-electricity/

Water

In England and Wales, homeowners also pay for the water they use.  Some houses have a water meter.  Some houses pay a set amount regardless of how much they use. Check with your landlord to see how his water bill is calculated. You can find more information https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/water/water-supply/

TV Licence

In the UK, the law says you need a TV Licence for the following;

• to watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV;
• to watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service;
• to download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer.

These rules apply to any device, for example, a TV, a computer, a laptop or a mobile phone. You only need one TV Licence per household. You can find the cost of a TV licence https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/

Internet, TV and landline telephone

Buildings insurance/House insurance –  If you rent a property your landlord should cover them.

Contents insurance covers you for loss or damage to personal possessions in the event of fire, theft, flooding, loss or damage etc. Insuring your possessions is generally a sensible idea for both tenants and homeowners.

While you are staying with your host you will be covered by their insurance. However, you will need to check there is cover if you have high value items. Once you leave, you will need to decide whether or not to take out your own policy. Websites like Moneyhelper can help you make this decision.

Apply for a Council Tax discount if you’re in Mole Valley under the Homes for Ukraine scheme

You will be entitled to a 50% discount from your Council Tax if all of the following apply, you’re:

• a Ukrainian national
• all the occupants are in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme
• living in your own accommodation (not in your sponsor’s home)
  Please note: If you or any of your family members switch to a different type of visa you will not be eligible for the discount and have to notify the Council Tax Team as soon as possible.

Apply for a discount

To apply for a discount, email council.tax@molevalley.gov.uk and include the:

• address of the property
• date you moved in
• date the tenancy started
• full name of all adults at the property
• type of visa  you are on

There are a wide range of properties available when privately renting, from an entire house or bungalow to a flat, maisonette, or a room in a shared property.

The property may be:

• fully furnished, with everything you would need
• part-furnished, with only the main items included
• unfurnished, with no furniture at all

Most properties in the UK come unfurnished which means you will need to find your own furniture. Check whether the property has carpets, curtains, a cooker, a fridge and a washing machine.

If you rent a room in a shared house, shared properties:

• are usually furnished
• have a shared kitchen, lounge and bathroom
• provide a separate bedroom for each sharer

If you have found a private rental property and require help with the furniture/white goods, please contact us at homesforukraine@molevalley.go.uk. This support is dependant on your financial situation and can be provided after the assessment. If it is confirmed that the financial assistance is required, your Housing Options Officer will make a referral to a local charity called Besom, depending on the area where you live it can be Besom in Dorking or Besom in Ashtead, who can provide and deliver furniture, white goods, essential kitchen utensils and other household items.

The Housing Register is a list of the people who are waiting to be housed in social housing accommodation.

Who can join the housing register?

Anyone above the age of 16 and from the Common Travel Area, which consists of the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland. Ukrainians in the country under the Ukraine schemes can apply for social housing
(Council and housing association) if they meet the local connection criteria and have a housing need.

Please find more detailed eligibility criteria is explained in Allocation Policy

How do I apply?

Apply to join the Housing Register on HomeChoice.

Ukraine embassy in London

If you are a resident with friends and family in Ukraine and need information or support about what is happening please contact the Ukrainian Embassy in London:

• Address: 60 Holland Park, London W11 3SJ United Kingdom
• Telephone: 020 7727 6312
• Email: emb_gb@mfa.gov.ua

For official information on travel advice to and from Ukraine visit GOV.UK.

 Barnardo’s Ukrainian Support Helpline

The helpline is available to anyone who has fled the conflict in Ukraine. It is staffed by English, Ukrainian and Russian speakers, to offer support to children and families arriving in the UK from Ukraine.

Full details, including opening hours and the phone number, are available on Barnardo’s webpage for Ukrainian Support Helpline

The British Red Cross National Support Line

The British Red Cross offers a free and confidential support line with a translator available. To get in touch with the Barnardo’s team telephone 0808 196 3651. The telephone line opens daily from 10am to 6pm. You can also visit the British Red Cross National Support Line to get in to contact.

Free UK immigration advice for people fleeing Ukraine (projectu@dlapiper.com)

https://www.advice-ukraine.co.uk/home/en/

Citizen Advice Bureau

If you’re from Ukraine and your visa is ending – Citizens Advice

Surrey Education Services is the umbrella brand for Surrey County Council’s (SCC’s) support services, training and information offer for education.

Surrey Education Services