'Thank you' payment for the lead sponsor
Each lead sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine scheme is entitled to an optional 'thank you' payment of £350 or £500 per month, for as long as the guests remain in their accommodation for up to 36 months. This payment will be tax free and should not affect the sponsor's entitlement to benefits or council tax status.
The 'thank you' payment is limited to one payment per residential address, regardless of the number of guests being hosted, size or location of the property.
The 'thank you' payment will be paid in arrears directly into the lead sponsor's bank account and once the following checks have been completed:
- the local district or borough council has visited your property to make sure it is suitable for the guests
- the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application process has been started for the sponsor and any adults,16 or over, in the sponsor's household
- the guests have arrived and confirmed no close family relationship exists
- the council has visited the guests in their accommodation to make sure the guests have settled in and are aware of the support available to them.
Warwickshire County Council is responsible for administering the 'thank you' payment in Warwickshire.
If you have any queries about the payment process you can contact the Homes For Ukraine Support Team on 0800 408 1447 or by email: ukrainepayments@warwickshire.gov.uk
Guidance for sponsors can be found on the GOV.UK website.