Support thread for those hosting refugees and advice for those thinking about it

[Honeysuckle9]

As per the previous thread this is a thread so we can offer support to each other and also outline the things we should be thinking about before making this leap

Do you think it's better for them to apply for Universal Credit first, or look for a job first? Because if they get assessed for UC but then get a job, they'll have to get reassessed based on their income from the job, presumably, which sounds like a lot of faff. Our guest could do with UC so her kids can access holiday clubs in the summer when she's working, but she's keen to work asap.

Haven’t seen the old thread, but has there been any discussions about where people are? Is anyone hosting in Derby? We’ve just had a baby, otherwise we’d have opened up our home. But I’d be happy to arrange donations etc if someone needs things locally?

@forinborin - wouldn't a student who's been accepted into a UK university degree be able to move onto a student visa before their 3 year Homes for Ukraine visa expires, and so finish off their studies with that?

I'd say if they look like being quick off the mark to find work they may as well so that first and then apply for UC if they need a top up. Worth applying for UC if finding a job looks to be harder for them (eg very poor English or kids not yet in school)

Apply for UC first. They will get their advance payment and a proper payment after 5 weeks. It will automatically be reassessed when they start work by HMRC and if they are on a very low wage or they have children they might be eligible for some when working.

Thanks! Yes if they'll just be automatically reassessed after finding a job they may as well apply for UC first

How do your guests with children (not nursery age, but like aged 8-10) plan on dealing with childcare during the holidays, if they'll be working? I was thinking if they can get UC they might also be able to access holiday clubs for free, not sure if that will cover the whole summer though.

Are you on Facebook? There are local Facebook groups for refugee hosts in most areas and they are very happy to have members who are not hosting but can help out, whether with donations, lifts, accompanying guests to appointments or just meeting someone for coffee.

@TheCountessofFitzdotterel thanks, I’ll have a look.

The truth is that no one knows how it will be in the future. At the moment, there are no routes to switch from Homes for Ukraine to other visa schemes, for example, Tier 2 (General), commonly known as the "work visa". No provision to switch to Tier 4 (Student) either. It might change in the future and it might, or might not, be a risk they are willing to take. Remember, this qualifies as a "temporary humanitarian protection" permit, and does not lead to any residence rights.

The government has confirmed that Ukrainians here under the homes for Ukraine scheme can access UK higher education at UK fees and also student finance. I can't see them then saying that the Ukrainian students who take advantage of this have to leave halfway though their studies because they're not eligible for student visas. The Homes for Ukraine visas are for 3 years and allow work or study, so there's simply no urgency to sort out what people do at the end of that time. I'm sure they'll be ways of converting to other visas for those who would be eligible.

I am a bit torn on this as while it would be nice to believe they won’t turn round and dump on Ukrainians who arrived under HFU, it’s not as if the UK visa system hasn’t been known to be both inhumane and irrational.

Hi

I was really hoping to host someone, but it turned out not to be advisable for various reasons.

Im now trying to support an older family member who is in the midst of a visa application for a guest, so may well be checking back in for advice.

Just placemarking for now really but ever so well done to anyone who has already welcomed a guest into your home

thanks for starting the new thread. My guests arrived yesterday. They all seem lovely and brought us some lovely presents including a bottle of DH's favourite Italian red wine. Then 10 yo speaks pretty good English. They have gone in search of a playground and wellies!

Can someone explain how UC works please? Do you have to look for work to get it? The mum has poor English and a 4yo so it's going to be tricky for her to find a job before her son starts reception in September.

Uc works as a replacement for nearly all of the working age means tested benefits. So for single parents to young children who are exempt from looking for work, those to unwell for work (with med cert) those who are unemployed (the category for most of our guests) and as a top up on a low wage and rent costs (where payable) .

It's claimed on line. Guest then has meeting in the job centre and an agreement is made about how they will look for work. (My guest has agreed to register with certain agencies in her field) in return they pay them money on a monthly basis. Approx £375 per single adult and about £250 per child per month. (Rough guide - precise rates available via Google )

I sense that you probably had very little experience with the UK immigration system before (which is a good thing). Take it from someone foreign, it does not always work in the most logical or humane way.

She can get her volunteering in a relevant field knocked off her jobsearch hours at 50%. Ask in the journal notes (in text). She can also get expenses reimbursed without affecting her UC.

www.gov.uk/guidance/volunteering-and-claiming-benefits

My guest is just finishing up year 1 Ukrainian uni and will be applying (hopefully) before 30 June which is the date late applications for UCAS applications can be accepted prior to falling into clearing.

What to put for family income as obviously SFE won't be able to do the usual checks? As ever it is a set form with no possibility to explain separate issues.

On the basis they will stay here as our guest then I suspect it won't matter too much if they get the minimum maintenance loan.

Only parents of under 1s are completely exempt from having to look for work to get UC. A parent of a 4 year old would be expected to seek both work and childcare. Though you would hope they would be a bit flexible with someone new in the country and no childcare in place

Found you!

I have yet to dip my toe into the muddy waters of universal credit. As my lady is working full time, I’d initially assumed she wouldn’t be eligible, but as she’s on minimum wage I wonder if I should investigate.

We’re still trying to get the £200 welcome payments sorted. Endless excuses and confusion at the charity that the council has foisted that one on to. But I had an email today from the council saying the £350 host payments are imminent, so hopefully they’ll have that coming in soon.

A friend who has a child at dd’s school had a bit of a go about me sorting the school place for my teenager. Said it would be unkind as her English isn’t brilliant, and A-levels there are very intense and the kids are all academic high achievers etc etc so unless she’s massively academic it would be a mistake. My view is that she’s got a few weeks before the end of term to try it out, and see if she likes it, so nothing ventured nothing gained, but it could be an amazing opportunity for her. If she doesn’t like it I can get some local college prospectuses and she can look at vocational courses.

But I’m doubting myself now and wondering if I’m pushing her to do something that’s not right for her, and will overwhelm her.

@VenusClapTrap I think you are doing the right thing in putting all this in front of her. That’s all you can do. She may actually fly

A single person in full time work minimum wage wouldn't get anything from UC unless they've got very high rent (and the Ukrainians have no rent under the scheme) So no point bothering it for single people who are working. Might be worth it if they have children, and definitely needed if they are paying for childcare, as you get most of the childcare costs reimbursed via UC.

@forinborin

That is all v useful, thank you.

I'm super-dubious about foundation programmes; as far as I can see they are a completely unregulated money-spinner for universities... Looked at Edinburgh and they charge £22,000 for a year! Insane.

Online study in a Ukrainian university sounds a bit sad, but also v sensible. I think he wants to stay here, but honestly who knows at the moment what will seem desirable in 6 months.

Sitting A-levels/IB as a private candidate is an interesting idea too, though unfortunately of course he wants to do humanities (politics and economics). His English is solid, but not A-level politics standard...

I think it would be so much the best thing for him to swallow his pride and do A-levels, but that seems a lost battle at the moment. And as you say, if he spends 2 years on that and then at the end of the 3 years has no right to stay, well, it's years lost on nothing. Aargh. What a mess...