Are Ukrainian Refugees Entitled to Benefits?

Yes they are, subject to usual eligibility. This is because the UK Government has granted them leave to remain for up to 3 years. Examples of benefits Ukrainian refugees could be entitled to include:

• Universal Credit - if you’re unemployed, too ill to work or on a low wage

• Pension Credit - if you’re over working age

If the person has children, they may also be able to apply for other benefits or support, including: 

• Child benefit: if your child is under 16 (or under 20 if they are in education or training) - see here for more information Claim Child Benefit: How it works - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Healthy start vouchers: if you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, these vouchers can help you buy healthy foods and get free vitamins - see here for more information Baby & Toddler Food and Feeding | Family Early Help (camden.gov.uk)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA): if your child is under 16, has difficulty walking, or needs to be looked after more than a child of the same age who does not have a disability - see here for more information Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Free school meals are provided at lunchtime in schools and other education settings - see here for more information Free School Meals | Family Early Help (camden.gov.uk)

What Do We Need to Apply for Benefits?

To apply for benefits, you would normally need:

• A National Insurance number - The UC online application process should include applying for an NI number.  If the parent has a biometric residence permit, their NI number may be shown on the reverse of the card. If all else fails call the National Insurance number application line. Ask whether they’ve issued the parent with a NI number - if they haven’t, ask what you need to do to get one.

• A bank account - here is a link to Citizens Advice information about how to open a UK bank account. It should be an easy process if you have proof of immigration status, but some banks might not have seen a biometric residence permit before. It’s a legal and valid form of identification (ID). Find more information about bank accounts in this Guidebook section Bank Accounts | Family Early Help (camden.gov.uk)
  
  
• Proof of immigration status - the person's passport stamp or letter from the Home Office should be sufficient

How to apply for Universal Credit and Benefits

You can apply for Universal Credit online here  Universal Credit: How to claim - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

If you need help applying for Universal Credit you can call Citizens Advice Camden for free on 0800 144 8444 (Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm) or you can webchat. There is more information here.  Universal Credit Help - Citizens Advice Camden (camdencabservice.org.uk)

You can also call the national Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 or visit a local Jobcentre Plus (job centre).

Summer Holiday Food Vouchers (2022)

If your child gets free school meals or you receive Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit, you’ll get £45 supermarket vouchers for each child to help with costs over the summer holidays. Parents should receive a letter either by post or email with instructions for downloading your voucher(s). If you don’t have access to the internet or can’t download the voucher, your local library or children’s centre can help.

If the letter doesn’t arrive by 8 August 2022 or you need any other support, please call 020 7974 4444 (option 9).