£200 arrival one-off payment
As a Ukrainian refugee, you are entitled to a one-off payment of £200 upon arrival. To claim this, either you or your host should email refugeesupport@suffolk.gov.uk once you are at their accommodation and use the title ‘Refugee £200 payment’ in the subject line. You will need to provide your name and either a contact email or mobile phone number, the address where you are living and your date of arrival. If you have children, please provide their names but your email address or phone number.
You will receive 1 e-voucher per person (for example, if you have 2 children, you will receive 3 e-vouchers. The vouchers all look the same, so you need to open all three text messages or emails in order to access all 3 e-vouchers). The e-voucher link can be opened directly from the text or email; there is no need to download the Wonde app, but if you have any difficulty opening the e-vouchers, please email us at refugeesupport@suffolk.gov.uk.
The e-vouchers can be cashed at Post Offices, and you can choose to cash all three at the same time, or separately on different dates. Please note that it can take up to 3 working days for the Post Office computer system to be able to recognise and redeem the voucher number and provide the cash payment. This means, for instance, that any e-vouchers we request on a Friday are not live on the Post Office system before the following Tuesday.
Universal Credit / Pension Credit
It is important that you make a claim for Universal Credit or Pension Credit (depending on your age) as soon as you arrive in the UK. This monthly payment will help with your living costs.
If you are claiming as a couple and only one partner is over pension age, you should both claim Universal Credit. The partner who is above pension age will be moved into the 'No Work Related Requirements' group. When both partners are over pension age, you can claim Pension Credit.
The easiest way to make a new Universal Credit application is online with GOV.UK. You can also call 0800 328 5644 for advice.
Other Financial support
You may also be eligible for other financial support including Housing Benefit, Personal Independence Payment, Child Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance and/or Attendance Allowance, depending on your situation. Visit the Government website to find out what you are entitled to.
Opening a UK bank account
To receive Universal Credit and other benefits, you will need to open a bank account. You can do this by visiting any bank.
A number of high street and online banks are offering accounts for Ukrainian guests specifically.
Whichever bank you choose, when you go to open your bank account you will need to take the documents that show your identity, immigration status and address.
National Debtline
The National Debtline offers free, confidential and independent advice about debt and money problems. Telephone 0808 808 4000 or visit the National Debtline website.
Citizens Advice
You can get advice on issues including benefits, employment, immigration, debt and legal advice from your local Citizens Advice centre. They also offer a Help to Claim scheme that can support you to apply for benefits. Visit the Citizens Advice website or call 03444 111 444
