Financial information and support

Financial support for hosts

If you're worried about how being a host will impact on your benefits, you should contact your local Department for Work and Pensions office for more information.

Citizens Advice have written guidance on the impact on your benefits of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Council Tax

To find out if being a host will affect your Council Tax, including your eligibility for a discount or exemption, visit our page on Council Tax and the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Thank you payment

If you're supporting people under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, you'll receive a 'thank you payment' each month, as long as your guests are still living with you. We'll send the payment each month, once we've confirmed that you're still providing accommodation for your guests.

To receive the payment, you'll need to provide your bank details and proof of identity. We'll contact you directly to get this information.

Financial support for people from Ukraine

Emergency payment

If you're arriving here under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, we'll give you an emergency payment when you arrive at the property. This is to help you to buy essential items in the first few days after arriving at the property.

Your host must not charge you rent.

We'll make your payment using PayPoint Vouchers.

Help with claiming Universal Credit

Ukrainian households are eligible to claim Universal Credit. It’s important that families go online and make their claim for Universal Credit as soon as possible. Hosts can support their guests to do this. Your claim must be made online and this will trigger an appointment with the Job Centre. The claim will start from the date the claim is submitted online.

Visit GOV.UK to find out more about Universal Credit

We have one Job Centre in Stockport:

Stockport Jobcentre Plus
Heron House
Wellington Street
Stockport
SK1 3BE

People arriving from Ukraine can visit the Job Centre any time during opening hours. Report to the front desk and there will usually be someone available to speak to.

Job Centre colleagues recommend that you book an appointment. This way you can ask for an interpreter, to be there in person or on the phone. Work coaches will also be on hand to help as claims progress.

Job Centre Advisors can only support with claims for Universal Credit. Translation services are available to help new arrivals with phone applications, with Work Coaches in DWP Jobcentres available to support people making claims online.

Contact 0800 328 5644 for more information.

Help with claiming Child Benefit

Anyone coming to the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme or Homes for Ukraine scheme is entitled to claim Child Benefit immediately using the government's Child Benefit: Make a claim online form. You do not have to wait the usual 3 month qualifying period.

You should provide an original birth certificate and the passport or travel document used to enter the UK. Where this documentation is not immediately available, you're advised to include a note in your claim and someone from HM Revenue and Customs will be in touch to discuss further.

For more information on Child Benefit, you can:

  • visit GOV.UK
  • call 0300 200 3100

Help to claim other types of welfare benefits

Our Welfare Rights Team may also be able to support you. You can find out more information about benefits.

Getting a National Insurance number

You can get a National Insurance number for free. You do not need to pay anyone to help you get a National Insurance number. Neither Stockport Council nor DWP are able to pay you back for any fees you may pay to get one.

Visit GOV.UK for more information about getting a National Insurance Number.