Homes for Ukraine - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
How do Potential Sponsors register their interest for the Homes for Ukraine Scheme?
Potential Sponsors will record their interest with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) via the Government Portal (www.gov.uk). On receipt of this expression of interest, DLUHC will contact the Potential Sponsor. The Sponsor should make their own arrangements to be matched with a Guest from Ukraine before supporting the submission of a Visa Application to the Home Office.
What checks will be undertaken by Stoke City Council and its Partners?
It is critical that we welcome families to Stoke on Trent safely, in a way that protects everyone from harm by making sure we have the checks and safeguards in place for both those fleeing the conflict and those opening their homes to strangers. To help us achieve this, we will be undertaking a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check as well as undertaking checks against information we hold about you, including through Children’s Social Care and Adult Social Care. We will also be undertaking a visit is to ensure your accommodation and living arrangements are suitable for your Guests. During this visit, we would kindly ask that all areas of your property are made available to the local Council’s Representative.
When will I hear something?
We are working through the list of sponsors as notified by the Home Office and DLUCH. We will contact you to arrange your initial home visit and send you a link to complete your DBS check in due course. Should your guests visa be approved and travel is arranged before you hear from us, pleas email Ukraine@Stoke.gov.uk and mark it ‘Urgent, guests arriving X date’ so we can expedite your checks.
How will “thank you” payment to Sponsors work?
We acknowledge that you will want to be certain that you are in a secure position to offer a stable home to someone who needs it. You have the option to receive a monthly payment of £350 paid in arrears, for up to 12 months, as long as you are hosting your Guests and that the accommodation provided is of a suitable standard. You will be eligible for the first monthly payment once the relevant checks have been completed and you have received a confirmation letter from the City Council. For those Sponsors in receipt of welfare payments, the government has made assurances that ‘thank you’ payments will not affect benefit entitlements. ‘Thank you’ payments will also not affect any council tax discounts for those Sponsors in single occupancy. They will be tax free. Following the completion of the above Checks, we will make contact to outline the next steps for payments.
When do sponsors get paid?
You will be eligible for the first monthly payment once the relevant checks have been completed and you have received a confirmation letter from the City Council. Further home visits will be carried out to ensure the Guest is still living at the address.
How long will the sponsor get paid for?
Twelve Months but should your Guest/s leave before this period, your payments will stop.
What happens if the offer of sponsorship breaks down?
If for any reason you need to end the sponsorship arrangement early, Sponsors should inform the city council by emailing: ukraine@stoke.gov.uk. If your Guests require emergency housing, please contact us as soon as possible.
Where do I go if I still have questions?
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities has sponsor guidance:
Homes for Ukraine: sponsor guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Homes for Ukraine National FAQs:
Homes for Ukraine scheme: frequently asked questions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Alternatively contact: ukraine@stoke.gov.uk