Work, benefits and financial support
Opening a bank account
To open a bank account in the UK, guests will usually need to show proof of identity such as passport, biometric residency permit, driver’s licence, or recognised identity card. A number of UK Banks have a system for opening accounts where you do not have a permanent UK address, including digital banks Starling and Monzo. To address this issue, the Refugee Council has created a banking guide to help make this process easier for refugees.
- New guide to help refugees open a bank account by Refugee Council
- Citizens Advice - Getting a bank account
Financial support
- Financial support for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. You can apply for Universal Credit if you are on a low income or unemployed.
- Warwickshire County Council Cost Of Living Support
- Red Cross Financial Assistance Programme
Benefits
The local Job Centre Plus will be able to help guests find out which benefits to access and apply for local employment opportunities. It is important for guests to register with the Job Centre as soon as possible.
National Insurance number
Completion of a benefits application will trigger the process to be provided with a National Insurance number.
Work
Ukrainian guests arriving under the Homes for Ukraine scheme have the right to work as soon they arrive in the UK. They need to be 18-years-old to work full time.
DWP support for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (PDF, 1.38 MB)
Employability workshops
The employability programme, delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire CDA, includes a series of workshops to outline employment options while also working with individuals to rebuild their confidence and discuss types of jobs which suit them and their home life.
The weekly workshops are delivered in libraries countywide. Activities available include:
- One to one and group employment support
- CVs, applications and covering letter support
- Confidence building and wellbeing support
- Digital skills and practical support
- Job searching support
Please see the flyer for further information in Ukranian:
CWCDA employability support - Ukranian (PDF, 385 KB)
Or sign up directly for employment support via an online Microsoft Form.