Work, benefits and financial support
Opening a bank account
To open a bank account in the UK, guests will usually need to show proof of identity such as passport, biometric residency permit, driver’s licence, or recognised identity card. A number of UK Banks have a system for opening accounts where you do not have a permanent UK address, including digital banks Starling and Monzo. To address this issue, the Refugee Council has created a banking guide to help make this process easier for refugees.
Citizens Advice - Getting a bank account
Financial support
- Financial support for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. You can apply for Universal Credit if you are on a low income or unemployed.
- Warwickshire County Council Cost Of Living Support
- Red Cross Financial Assistance Programme
Benefits
The local Job Centre Plus will be able to help guests find out which benefits to access and apply for local employment opportunities. It is important for guests to register with the Job Centre as soon as possible.
National Insurance number
Completion of a benefits application will trigger the process to be provided with a National Insurance number.
Work
Ukrainian guests arriving under the Homes for Ukraine scheme have the right to work as soon they arrive in the UK. They need to be 18-years-old to work full time.
Employability workshops
Ukrainian Working in Warwickshire Programme
The Ukrainian Working in Warwickshire Programme has been designed by the Warwickshire Skills Hub team to help Ukrainian guests access employment and explore how their skills can translate into opportunities.
The programme runs a series of workshops to outline employment options while also working with individuals to rebuild their confidence and discuss types of jobs which suit them and their home life.
The weekly workshops, delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire CDA, refer to access to sources of wider community services and support across the county for people forced out of their homeland. The workshops are delivered in libraries countywide including Leamington, Stratford, Rugby, Nuneaton, Atherstone and Bedworth.
The workshop activities available include:
- One to one and group employment support
- CVs, applications and covering letter support
- Confidence building and wellbeing support
- Digital skills and practical support
- Job searching support
Ukrainian working in Warwickshire programme flyer
Ukrainian working in Warwickshire employment programme referral form