We know that most migrants wish to work. There are sometimes reasons why this is not possible. This may be because you do not have the right to work in the United Kingdom. It may be because you do not yet understand local languages well enough to get a job. Or if you are searching for work. During this period, you and your family will still need money to pay for living costs.
This section of the website explains where you may be able to access funds for support.
You are likely to be entitled to welfare benefits such as ‘Universal Credit’. More information about Universal Credit can be found on the UK Government website.
You should receive support from your caseworker to help you make a ‘Universal Credit’ claim. Those in the ARAP and ACRS schemes are exempt from the Habitual Residency Test that is usually a requirement for people with indefinite leave to remain. Information on the exemption can be found here: The Social Security (Habitual Residence and Past Presence) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)
‘Universal Credit’ usually takes a number of weeks to arrive in your saving account. However, you are likely to be eligible for an ‘Advance Payment’. You must ask for an advance payment when you apply for Universal Credit. More information about how to request Advance Payments can be found on the UK Government website.
You can apply for an ‘Emergency Assistance Payment’ if your social security payments are delayed. You can apply through the Welsh Government’s ‘Discretionary Assistance Fund’. More details about the Fund can be found on the Welsh Government website.
You can also apply for a ‘Refugee Integration Loan’ from the UK Government. These loans can cover the cost of rent, household items, training or education. More information about Refugee Integration Loans can be found on the UK Government website.
To receive welfare benefits or a wage from a job you are likely to need a saving account. It is important that you open an account as soon as possible. There is a range of banks, ‘building societies’ and ‘credit unions’ which can be accessed for a saving account. More information about Credit Unions can be found on the Welsh Government website.
You may also be able to access support for costs related to children being in school, depending on your income. Free school meals are available to those in receipt of certain social security payments. You must apply to your Local Authority for this funding to be provided. Find out more on the ‘Your Local Area’ page.
If you receive free school meals for your child, you can also access up to an additional £125. You can use this to buy school uniform, equipment or a sports kit. This can also be used to pay for activities outside of school through the Welsh Government’s Pupil Development Grant. You must apply for this funding through your local authority and more details can be found on the Welsh Government website.
More information about costs relating to education after the age of 16 can be found on the ‘Education for All Ages’ section of this website.