Support with the ongoing Ukraine conflict
*PLEASE BE AWARE THIS IS AN OLDER POST AND THERE MAY BE A MORE UP TO DATE POST, OR UPDATED INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ *
We want to do everything we can to support anyone affected by the horrific conflict in Ukraine.
We’re sharing advice on bringing family members from Ukraine to the UK, what to do if you’re currently living in the UK but your visa is set to expire, and what you should know if you want to offer to let someone from Ukraine come and live with you.
We’re also sharing other support that is available if you’re arriving in Wigan Borough from Ukraine, such as help with claiming benefits, accessing health and work services and understanding your legal rights while you’re here.
Bringing family members from Ukraine to the UK
If you live in the UK but have family members in Ukraine, the government has introduced special rules to make it easier for them to come to the UK. This is called the ‘sponsorship scheme’ and doesn't cost anything to apply for.
To qualify to be a sponsor you must meet certain conditions. Once here your family members will have the right to work and study in the UK as well as being able to claim benefits, use the NHS and access free English language classes.
If you’re currently living in the UK but your visa is set to expire
If you’re a Ukrainian national already living in the UK, there are a number of ways you can stay in the UK. You can either switch to a family scheme visa, switch to a work or study visa (even if you’ve previously applied) or extend the visa you have now.
If you have a family or Skilled Worker visa, it’s best to apply to extend your visa if possible. This means that your time in the UK will continue to count towards getting ‘indefinite leave to remain’ status.
From 3 May, the government has announced the Ukraine Extension Scheme which allows Ukrainian nationals who had permission to stay in the UK before 18 March to apply for an extension to their visa. Your partner and children can also apply if they’re in the UK as your ‘dependants’.
If you want to offer to let someone from Ukraine live with you
You can volunteer for someone from Ukraine to come and live with you under the ‘Homes For Ukraine’ scheme. If you know who you want to host, they can apply to come to the UK with you as their sponsor. Alternatively, you can sign up to be matched with one or more people.
In order to host someone you must have enough space for someone to live with you, for example a spare room or an empty property. You will also need to get permission from your landlord or mortgage provider, if you have one.
You must be willing to house someone for at least six months and the government will provide a payment of £350 per month towards the cost - regardless of how many people you are hosting. More information on the Homes For Ukraine scheme can be found on the Wigan Council website.
Support available for Ukraine residents arriving in the UK
When arriving in the UK, the government will provide you and your family members with a £200 grant to help cover any immediate costs whilst you are settling in. There is also a ‘welcome booklet’ available to download from the government website containing essential information for anyone arriving from Ukraine.
If you need advice on how to access welfare benefits, your employment and housing rights, coping with debts or energy advice, we provide free, confidential advice free-of-charge to anyone who needs it. If you are in Wigan Borough, you contact us free on 0808 2787 801 or visit our ‘contact us’ page to find more ways to get advice.
The Wigan Council website also has a range of support available for Ukraine residents arriving in the Borough, such as the Greater Manchester free transport scheme, the United For Ukraine job opportunities scheme, and information about receiving essential items such as sleeping bags, toiletries, warm clothing and childrens toys.
If you want to donate towards helping the Ukraine crisis
The Greater Manchester Ukraine Crisis Response fund has been set up by charities across Greater Manchester to allow residents to donate towards helping those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. You can find out more and donate by visiting the 10GM fundraiser page.
If you would like to donate items such as sleeping bags, toiletries, clothing or other essentials, a collection point has been set up at the Parish of Holland and Dalton Church, open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. You can also find a full list of Ukraine charities to donate on the Wigan Council website.
