Once you have arrived in the UK
Here you will find information for Ukrainians living in the UK, from how to register with a doctor, finding a place for Ukrainian children in schools, signing up to English language classes (ESOL) and getting employment support for Ukrainians working in a new job.
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Ukrainians Welcome
Welcome to the UK!
Information on arriving in the UK on a Homes for Ukraine visa, including what Border Force will do with visa and passport stamps and details about your eVisa, has been written by the Government.
Ukrainians on the Homes for Ukraine visa are also entitled to a one-off Ukraine arrival payment of £200 to welcome you and your family and help buy the things you need when you first arrive in the UK (called a subsistence costs). This is provided by your council, and you can search for the details of your council on the Find your local council website.
The community where you live will have lots of information about the local area. You can see if there is a Welcome Centre or Facebook groups that you could join. The government have created a Homes for Ukraine: welcome guide for Ukrainian children under 18 and guidance for Homes for Ukraine guidance on living with your sponsor.
There are a number of tasks to complete once you have arrived, including understanding what benefits you can apply for and getting a bank account and your arrival payment.
Reset Homes for Ukraine have details on what to do after you arrive in the UK and a first month checklist.
Ukrainian Refugee Help also have a list you can download that covers Priority Tasks To Do On Arrival In UK.
We have also put together a checklist that may help you with key tasks: Checklist for when you arrive in the UK.
Life in the UK for Ukrainians
The government, charities and voluntary groups will be able to provide you with further information about living in the UK. This includes details for Ukrainians about shopping for Clothing, Food And Household Goods, guidance on driving and public transport and Opora’s Life in the UK guides on childcare.
The UK is currently experiencing a cost of living crisis, and this Cost of Living in the UK page, from Reset Homes for Ukraine, helps explain what this is and how it can effect different parts of the UK as well as rent, bills and food shopping.
Your council website can also provide lots of information about where you live.
There is important information providing Safety Advice for Ukrainian Refugees Entering the UK from the Human Trafficking Foundation that may be helpful.
Events and support for Ukrainians in the UK
Organisations like Opora organise events for Ukrainians in the UK. They have a large Ukrainian support group on Facebook and Telegram. More information can be found on Opora’s Information and support channels.
You may also be able to attend other events happening in the UK and can find out more about AUGB Ukrainian Community Events and the integration services provided by the charity Nadiya.
In Manchester, you can get support from the Europia charity, who offer support to Ukrainians through community drop-in sessions, group therapy and lots of other activities.
To find other organisations that provide support, please visit our Find Services page on this website and see this page on Community Services and Support.
Medical Support for Ukrainians in the UK
Medical services in England are provided by the NHS and are mainly free of charge.
There is guidance from the government on how to register with a doctor and get medication and more information on healthcare from Ukrainian Refugee Help and Opora’s Medicine in the UK page.
The government has created translated guidance on:
- Adult Health Services and care available through the NHS – for adults, including maternity care and protection against infectious diseases.
- Care for elderly, vulnerable or disabled adults – How to access social care, and support, including social care and support for carers.
- Child Health Services and care available through the NHS – for children, including mental health support and support with speech and language development.
Pharmacists can help you with minor health concerns and you can find your local pharmacy here.
Follow this link if urgent medical help is needed.
There are also options to pay for medical services yourself through private healthcare.
It is important to stay up to date with vaccines, including COVID-19, and translated guides are available here: COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read leaflets.
There is more information on our Health and wellbeing page as well.
Mental health support for Ukrainians in the UK
For urgent mental health support call 999.
It is very important to look after your mental health, as explained in this mental health fact sheet from the World Health Organisation (WHO)
If you are struggling with your mental health, your General Practitioner (GP) will be able to help you. You can make an appointment with them and an interpreter if you need.
There is lots of support and guidance from charities including translated mental health support from Opora, including a Ukrainian Mental Health Workbook, and an interactive book for children. There are also lots of videos and webinars to watch to raise awareness, and they provide self-care tools.
The STREAM Foundation offer Therapy for Ukrainian Refugees, support groups, and lots of educational information to help process experiences, cope with symptoms, and improve overall well-being. The services are provided in your own language.
The Barnardo’s Ukrainian Support Helpline has been set up with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) to provide support and advice for anyone fleeing the war in Ukraine. All services include access to interpreters.
There is also an animated video called Childhood Trauma, War and Conflict from the UK Trauma Council (UKTC) for young people aged 12-21, with written childhood trauma resources for young people.
For organisations that provide mental health support, please follow this link to our Mental health pages for more information about the toolkits that are available from UKTC.
You can find mental health support in England via the NHS Check your mental health symptoms page or via Hub of Hope’s mental health support database.
Benefits for Ukrainians in the UK
There are different benefits and allowances that you might be able to apply for when you arrive in the UK, including:
- Universal credit
- Pension Credit
- Disability benefit
- Child benefit and how to apply for Sure Start Maternity Grant (SSMG))
More translated information can be found on Apply for Universal Credit and other benefits from the government, Benefits For Ukrainian Refugees In The UK from Ukrainian Refugee Help and this Opora webinar on benefits in the UK.
The amount of benefit you can receive will depend on your income, so it can change over time. You can use the following tools to find out how much you might be able to claim for:
Employment support for Ukrainians in the UK
If you want to work in the UK, there are many ways to find a job. The government has details on how to Find a job: Homes for Ukraine. You will need to have applied for and received your National Insurance Number first.
United for Ukraine has been set up by businesses and partners across the North of England to support Ukrainians coming to the region. The site provides access to employment and support services, with a searchable list of vacancies from employers who have committed to providing good job opportunities in a supportive environment.
Guidance for Working in Healthcare in the UK provides information for Ukrainian doctors, dentists and nurses. If you need help converting academic and vocational qualifications contact Ecctis.
More information can be found under the Work section of Ukraine Refugee Help (including information on taxes and self-employment), and the employment guide from Opora. The below information is also available from the government:
- Your rights at work – What you can expect from your employer and what your responsibilities are as an employee. What to do if you think you are being treated unfairly at work.
- Universal Credit and earnings – The amount you earn, and how often you’re paid your wages, can affect your Universal Credit.
- Skills for Life – Find training, support, and advice to gain the skills you need for the job you want.
If you are not able to work, you will be able to apply for benefits that can help you financially. See the ‘Benefits for Ukrainians in the UK’ section above.
Childcare and education for Ukrainian children in the UK
There is information provided by government on childcare and education options for children up to 16 years old. This includes support could be available to you, when you need to apply for and attend school, and education for Children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).
There is also information for people from 16 years old to adults and details on how to Find an apprenticeship
More translated information about school uniforms, what to do about bullying and details about university can be found under the OPORA Life in the UK guide on childcare.
There is further information on the Education for 16+ Life in the UK guide, and from the Ukraine Refugee Help section on education Schools, Further Education Colleges And Universities.
English language classes for Ukrainians in the UK
English language classes, also known as ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) had been funded for Ukrainians by the UK government through the STEP Ukraine programme, where free online English lessons and employment support was provided, but registrations have now closed.
Your local council will be able to give details of other English language classes in the area, and there are lots of charities and community groups that provide this service too, whether is in online, in person or with a cup of tea!
More details about what is being offered can be found at Learn to speak, read and write English: Homes for Ukraine.
To find more sites that can offer English language classes in the North West, please go to our ESOL Provider’s map: RSMP Services Map.
Questions about your Ukraine Scheme visa
Only trained immigration advisers can give you advice about your visa and any immigration questions you might have.
Here are some organisations that could provide help:
Ukraine nationals in the UK already with a visa
Ukrainian nationals in the UK that already have a visa may be able to extend the length of the visa and stay for another 18 months under a new visa scheme called Ukraine Permissions Extension Scheme (UPE).
You will be able to apply to the UPE 28 days before your existing visa is due to expire. The Ukraine Permissions Extension Scheme will launch at 9am on 4th February 2025.
Ukrainians in the UK with a visa may also be able to switch to another immigration route if you are eligible to do so. More information can be found in the Ukrainian nationals in the UK: visa support guidance.
You can also visit Check which visas you may be able to apply for, or call UK Visas and Immigration on 0808 164 8810 for assistance.
Please make sure that you get support from a trained immigration advisor before applying for changing your visa. There are many differences in the support and entitlements that you could receive. See Questions about your Ukraine Scheme visa section above for some organisations that could help.
Frequently asked questions
What is the £200 payment for Ukrainian refugees?
Every Homes for Ukraine guest will be entitled to a £200 interim payment to help with subsistence costs. This will be provided by the council, see the Ukrainians Welcome section of this page.
What benefits can Ukrainian refugees claim in UK?
There are benefits that could be claimed for, please see the above section of this page on Benefits for Ukrainians in the UK.
Can Ukrainian refugees travel for free in the UK?
There may be some support with travel in your local area, please see the above section on Life in the UK for Ukrainians or Find your council for more information.
Are Ukrainian refugees entitled to NHS care?
Ukrainians are eligible for free healthcare via the National Health Service (NHS) for more information see the Medical Support for Ukrainians in the UK