Benefits
The UK benefits system provides financial support to those who need it, such as people looking for work, those with low income, or those unable to work due to illness, disability, or age. These benefits are not loans and do not need to be repaid if you're eligible.
You can apply for benefits from the day you arrive. To apply, you will need proof of identity, either your passport, BRP, or additional Information
Eligibility
Your eligibility for benefits can change during your application process. Apply for benefits if you have no other source of income or are on a low income, as processing can take time.
Staying in the UK
Receiving benefits will not affect your right to stay in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme or your future path to settlement.
Leaving the UK
Both Universal Credit and Pension Credit allow you to leave the UK for up to four weeks without stopping your claim. You should inform them of your plans, for example, by making a journal entry in your online Universal Credit account. If you stay outside the UK for longer than four weeks, your claim may be stopped, and you may need to reapply upon your return.
Types of benefits
There are two main types of benefits: means-tested and non-means-tested.
Means-tested benefits consider your savings, income, and property. The main means-tested benefits are Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
- Universal Credit: For people aged 18 to below the state retirement age who are generally expected to work. It considers factors such as whether you have children, rent to pay, etc. In some cases, younger people may qualify. Universal Credit can help with housing costs, childcare, and even while working, ensuring you are better off working than not.
- Pension Credit: For people at or above state retirement age, who are not expected to work.
Non-means-tested benefits do not consider your financial situation. These include Child Benefit and Disability Benefits.
Other benefits, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, and Child Tax Credit, may no longer apply as they are being phased out. The government website has more information on benefits eligibility.
Check what benefits and financial support you can get on GOV.UK.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit can be applied for online.
The following are needed to apply online:
- bank, building society or credit union account details
- an email address
- access to a phone
Some identity documents are needed, for example:
- a full or provisional Ukraine photo driving licence
- any national identity card, except those issued under the UK ID Card Scheme
- a residence permit, registration certificate or document certifying or indicating permanent residence issued by the Home Office or the United Kingdom Border Agency to a national of a European Economic Area country
- a Biometric Residence Permit issued by the United Kingdom Border Agency
Other benefits that you might be eligible for
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you are unemployed, on a low income, or on benefits. However, in time this benefit will be replaced by Universal Credit. You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if you've reached State Pension age or live in supported, sheltered, or temporary housing.
For more information on housing benefit on GOV.UK.
Council Tax reduction/support
When you rent your own place, you'll need to pay Council Tax, which covers local council services. Let the council know your move-in date to avoid being charged beforehand. If you're on a low income or receive benefits, you might be eligible for Council Tax Reduction or council tax support.
For information about Council Tax reduction please visit GOV.UK.
Understanding the benefits system and seeking support when needed can ensure that you have the financial resources you need to thrive in the UK
Further help with applying for benefits
There is a Help to Claim service provided by Citizens Advice which is confidential.
Where it is not possible to claim online or to get help with a claim, there is a Universal Credit helpline. Calls to the Universal Credit helpline are free. Telephone 0800 328 5644.
After a Universal Credit claim has been made, the claimant will be invited for a meeting with a Work Coach at the local Jobcentre Plus.
