Settling in the UK

Information for all arrivals

Here are a few practical tips to help you settle into East Sussex. Your host may be able to help you with these:  

• Your host needs to register your arrival with East Sussex County Council (ESCC) on this form Homes for Ukraine – East Sussex County Council, this will trigger the £200 welcome paymentyou are going to receive to help you settle in the area. You will receive a text with a QR code which must be taken to a post office along with your ID in order to collect the cash. Alternatively you can email ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk with your name, host name, address, arrival date and UK mobile number and request the £200 welcome payment. 

• You can request a Vodafone SIM card from us at 3VA (ukraine@3va.org.uk): having a UK number is essential for setting up bank accounts, GPs, Universal Credit application etc. You host can request this SIM card prior to your arrival. 

• You can request a free laptop from ESCC by emailing ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk

• Make a Universal Credit (UC) benefits application Universal Credit online on day 1 or 2 of your arrival as there is a 5 week wait before receiving your payment. UC don’t back date, so you will only receive money from the day you first register.  

To submit the claim, bank account details must be added, if you don’t have a UK bank account yet you can use your host’s or a friend’s, then when you have your own bank account you log into UC account and update the bank details. UC will never make a payment without confirming bank details are correct; this is done by the claimant taking proof of bank account to the Contact Jobcentre Plus.  

1. Once the application is completed, you should receive a call or a message on your UC account inviting you for a meeting at the nearby Job centre. You must bring ID, visa letter and any other documents requested to the meeting.  
2. Once your ID has been verified and your claim approved, you will be able to request an advance payment to help you financially during the 5-week wait for your first UC payment. This advance would then need to be paid back over a 12–24-month period.  
3. As a UC claimant, you can ask if you are eligible for a 50% travel discount pass from your job coach. This will provide you with discounted rail and bus travel. 

• Make a Child Benefit claim if you have children under 16 years or any children under 19 years and in full education. Do not send original documents as requested on the form. Ask the Job Centre to make certified photocopies and send the copies with the child benefit application form.  Child Benefit claim form

• Citizens Advice Search for your local Citizens Advice  can also help with benefit advice and making claims. They have Ukrainian and Russian telephone interpreters available. Appointments can be booked via their website or by calling up.   

•  The fastest bank to open is with Monzo. You must have a UK phone number and download the app on your phone. The application is quick and straightforward, you should receive a bank card within 7 days. 

• Apply for a national insurance number Apply for a National Insurance number

• Book your biometric appointment which provides you with a resident permit and extends the visa to the 3 years stay in the UK you are entitled to. Ukraine Scheme BRP) 
•  If you have a new Ukrainian passport you might have provided your biometrics already. In your visa confirmation email, it will advise you to collect your biometric resident permit from the post office you selected in your visa application.  
  • Those under 18 years aren’t permitted to collect their BRP from the post office themselves, a nominated adult must do this for them. Please complete this form to nominate an adult (it can be a parent/guardian or sponsor) Who would you like to nominate? – GOV.UK (biometric-residence-permit.service.gov.uk) 

• A free 1-month stagecoach bus pass can be requested from ESCC on 01323 724748, or by emailing ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk.  

A free 1-month Brighton and Hove bus pass can be obtained from their travel shop in   Brighton, you must go there with your ID.  

Compass bus passes can be requested from us at  ukraine@3va.org.uk          

Bus and train travel expenses to attend NHS hospital referral appointments can be claimed back for most people on Universal Credit and Pension Credit. See full details attached and claim form Layout 1 (nhsbsa.nhs.uk)   

• Support with employment is available from East Sussex, Support Into Work Service, to find out more visit this website Refugees 

• Visit your local GP practice and ask to register with them. You host might be able to help you complete the forms Find a GP

• Contact ESCC school admissions team to get help with school places for your children Apply for a school place