The Homes for Ukraine Scheme is incredibly complex, and while we are working to match Ukrainians with host families here in the UK, we are prioritising the safety and security of hosts and guests alike, as well as compatibility and other factors.
If you are selected as a potential match for a displaced Ukrainian, you should be aware that the matching process can take a long time. In order to make the process as safe and comfortable as possible for hosts and guests, there are many checks that need to be carried out, and this can be a lengthy process.
CSAN has created a range of materials that detail the support offered in response to the Ukraine war. You can find these at this link where there is further information about the Homes for Ukraine scheme”. https://www.csan.org.uk/ukraine/
Responsibilities for sponsors
Welcoming a guest into your home is a big commitment that needs careful consideration. You need to think about how you might adapt how you live or behave at home to make sure that guests are welcomed and respected. The No Accommodation Network has put together a really useful guide which you can download for free here (NACCOM-Hosting-Good-Practice-Guide-Part2- FINAL-MAY-2022.pdf).
This specifically covers:
- The Role Of Hosts
- Tips On Preparing For Your Guest
- Building Relationships With Your Guest
- Understanding Trauma
- Boundaries With Guests
- Maintaining Appropriate Relationships
- Children
- Safeguarding
Training and guidance will be provided by SJOG and CSAN once the match is made and confirmed. This will involve you meeting with fellow hosts and we will provide webinars and resources for you to refer to. You should be committed to engaging with these so that you can get the most out of the sponsorship scheme.
Thank you payments
You must be certain that you are in a secure position to offer a stable home to someone who needs it. You have the option to receive a monthly payment of £350 (tax free) for up to 12 months, paid in arrears, for as long as you are hosting your guests and provided that the accommodation provided is of a suitable standard. You will be eligible for the first monthly payment once the local council has visited to check the standard of the accommodation.
There can only be one payment per residential address and in England it will be administered through your council.
For sponsors who receive welfare payments, the government is ensuring thank you payments do not affect your benefit entitlement. Thank you payments will not affect any council tax discounts for single occupancy.
If your guest(s) moves out of your home for any reason, you must inform your local council straight away to let them know that you are no longer eligible for the monthly payments.
Interim payment for guests
If your guests are old enough to work, they will be able to apply to receive Universal Credit and will be able to apply for advance payments, where eligible. Guests who are of pensionable age will have access to Pension Credit and Housing Benefit, provided they meet eligibility criteria.
Guests are eligible for an interim payment of £200 per guest for subsistence costs. This will be administered by the local council where the sponsor accommodation is located. The £200 payment does not need to be repaid by the guest. Local councils will also have discretion to top- up or further support guests with interim or additional payments.
What level of support will I need to provide my guest?
The government’s visa support scheme requests that the sponsor provides:
- A minimum of 6 months of hosting without charging rent
- Assist the Ukrainian guest to arrive safely to your home
- Your own passport details so that DBS and/or Enhanced DBS checks can be carried out against your name
- You may wish to help your guest/s with settling into life in the UK, their paperwork and integration (BRP, GP, bank account, education and employment) however this is not expected from you.
What will my guest be entitled to?
The visa will allow the individual to stay in the UK for 3 years. They will be able to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds. They will also be able to access further support from the Local Authority.
Am I entitled to receive the £350/month?
Yes, hosts in this specific set up will be able to access the £350/month from their Local Authority. Currently, this lasts for up to one year. There are no stipulations as to how you can use this money.
For sponsors who receive welfare payments, the government is ensuring thank you payments do not affect your benefit entitlement. Thank you payments will not affect any council tax discounts for single occupancy.
Useful links:
The UK Government’s sponsor guidance has comprehensive information about all aspects of sponsorship:
Homes for Ukraine: sponsor guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
FAQs directly on gov.uk:
Homes for Ukraine scheme: frequently asked questions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
