Homes for Ukraine

We are proud to welcome you to Elmbridge. 

This page explains how you can extend your stay in the UK, and the housing support and other help you can access while living in the UK. 

Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme

The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme allows eligible Ukrainian nationals to extend their stay in the UK by 18 months if they originally arrived under the:

• Homes for Ukraine Scheme
• Ukraine Family Scheme
• Ukraine Extension Scheme

The UPE scheme is free to apply for, you should only make an application when your current permission has 28 days or less remaining until it expires.  

If you apply too early, your application may be rejected and not considered. If this happens, you will need to reapply when your current permission has 28 days or less remaining until it expires.  

You must make an application before your current permission expires.  

If you apply after your current permission expires, even if your application for UPE is successful later, you will lose your current entitlements to work, rent and receive benefits until a decision is made on your late application. You may be required to repay any public funds (for example, certain benefits) that are paid to you during this period.  

See the GOV.UK guidance: Applying to the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme for up-to-date information on when and how to apply.

If you're unsure about your eligibility or need support with the application process, email homesforukraine@elmbridge.gov.uk. 

Ukraine Permission Extension 2 (UPE2) Scheme

The Ukraine Permission Extension 2 (UPE2) scheme allows eligible Ukrainian nationals to remain in the UK for an additional 24 months after their initial 18‑month permission ends. This extension continues to grant you the right to live and work in the UK.

Staying with your sponsor under UPE2

You can stay with your sponsor if you are both happy for the arrangement to continue. UPE2 does not require hosting arrangements to end.

However, the £600 monthly thank-you payment to sponsors will stop when you move onto UPE2 so some sponsors may not be able to continue once payments end. This is why planning your housing early is important.

How we can help

While we cannot guarantee housing, we will:

• give advice and homelessness prevention support
• work with you to explore realistic options
• support you in line with housing legislation and guidance

We may also be able to offer:

• benefit checks and budgeting advice
• signposting to employment, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) or local support services

Complete the UPE2 form so that we can understand:

• your current housing situation
• your plans and concerns
• what support may be needed

This means we can contact you early and avoid urgent or crisis situations.

Housing options under UPE2

Depending on your situation, options may include:

• staying with your sponsor (if agreed)
• moving into private rented accommodation
• getting housing advice or homelessness prevention support

We will assess options based on your situation.

If you’re worried about housing, email us as soon as possible at homesforukraine@elmbridge.gov.uk.  This gives the best chance of finding a planned and stable solution.

Housing support under the earlier schemes

If you haven’t moved onto UPE2, you may be entitled to support if you are looking to move out of your host’s home. Support includes: 

• the Rent Support Scheme where we fund the deposit and first month’s rent at your new property
• assistance with furniture for your new property if it is unfurnished
• a 50% reduction in your Council Tax bill if all tenants in the property are Homes for Ukraine visa holders

Email homesforukraine@elmbridge.gov.uk for more details on housing support. 

If you have been asked to leave

If you have been asked to leave your host’s home or are facing homelessness, email homesforukraine@elmbridge.gov.uk to discuss your situation and how we might be able to help.

Other support for Ukrainian guests

There are many support services available in the area:

• for information on how to register with health services, schools, access to benefits and much more see GOV.UK: Homes for Ukraine - guidance for guests
   
• guests who have arrived under the Homes for Ukraine scheme within Surrey are entitled to a free bus pass for a chosen route until 31 March 2024 - those arriving after this time will be entitled to a free bus pass for 3 months after the date of their arrival, see Surrey County Council: Homes for Ukraine temporary bus pass scheme
   
• our partner organisation Elmbridge CAN runs drop in workshops several times a week around Elmbridge and the surrounding areas - they run English classes, offer advice on support in the area, and have a range of social events for guests
   
• free online English language and employability training course for all Homes for Ukraine guests, see World Jewish Relief: STEP English language and employment programme
   
• Barnardo’s Ukrainian support helpline for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine where you can speak to someone in Ukrainian or Russian