Ukrainians welcomed to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme are eligible to:
- work
- access state benefits
- access public services for three years.
Universal Credit application
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly.You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
You will need to create an account online, to do this you will need
- an email address
- bank account details
- identification (ID).
Apply online for Universal Credit
Universal Credit helpline
- Telephone: 0800 328 5644
- Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 328 5644
- Textphone: 0800 328 1344
- Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Access to translation services and support with making applications is available at local Job Centres.
You can also get support from Citizens Advice
Bank account applications
To open a bank account in the UK, you usually need to show proof of identification (ID) such as:
- passport
- biometric residency permit
- driver’s licence
- or recognised identity card
You also need proof of permanent address.
The Government has worked with major banks to find a solution to enable you to open accounts without the usual permanent address requirement.
A number of UK banks already have a system for opening accounts if you do not have a permanent UK address
National Insurance Numbers
You can apply for a National Insurance number if you live in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.
You must also be looking for work or have an offer to start work in the UK.
If you have already started working you can still apply.
To get a National Insurance number you need to apply online and prove your identity.
If you attend the job centre, you can be supported to do this along side your Universal Credit application or you can begin your application online below.
Apply for a National Insurance number
You can get help with your application by calling the freephone number from Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm:
- Telephone: 0800 141 2079
- Textphone: 0800 141 2438
Employment support and advice
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can support adults who have arrived via the Homes for Ukraine Scheme to find a job.
Once your claim is active, you will be allocated a dedicated Work Coach. They will complete a Claimant Commitment appointment.
At this appointment your Work Coach will assess applicant needs, skills and explore employment options.
This appointment will help identify any support needs.
Translation support is available via DWP for attending Job Centre appointments.
You can also find out more about jobs in the UK for Ukrainian nationals on the government’s website: Find a job: Homes for Ukraine - GOV.UK
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service provide free information, careers and skills advice that's tailored to you.
Help is available online, or with a careers advisor over the phone. Face to face support also available for some customers.
The National Careers Service website provides careers advice and information. This includes a wide range of jobs, resources for training courses and funding.
Careers advisors can help you back into work or alternative employment by providing:
- job search and job hunting skills
- applications and covering letters
- access to over 750 job profiles
- interview preparation
- on-line applications
- CV support
- email set up
- career guidance
- access to Labour Market Information
- training and Personal Development
- maths and English skills assessments
- apprenticeship and Traineeship Advice
- Universal Jobmatch
- voluntary work
- translation of qualifications.
Call the National freephone helpline on 0800 100 900.
Useful documents
Translated information (Ukrainian) about DWP and National Careers Service
Workers Rights Leaflet (Ukrainian) created by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
Modern Slavery Info and Resource pack for refugees from Ukraine - created by the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline