Accommodation:
How long will I be in my initial accommodation?
We are unable to tell you exactly how long you will stay in initial accommodation. We have many people still arriving from Ukraine, and there are already many people who need housing in Wales.
We are working to make your initial accommodation placement as short as possible. The accommodation you are first given lets Local Authorities help you to access benefits, and health screening. After this we want to support you to secure more permanent accommodation. This will include placements with host families. You will then find it easier to settle in an area and get health services, education and find employment.
It is very important that you help us ensure there is space in initial accommodation, for people who continue to arrive from Ukraine. We want to help these people access the initial help and support that you received.
What if I want to stay in initial accommodation instead of moving to other accommodation?
You will not be able to stay long term in your initial accommodation.
Welcome Centres and hotels provide short term accommodation for those on the Welsh Government Super Sponsor Scheme. We need to help people who continue to arrive from Ukraine - your Local Authority will help you move into more permanent accommodation.
Should I search for my own 'move on' accommodation?
You can search for your own accommodation to move on to but we recommend that you speak to your support worker first, to ensure that you can afford the type of accommodation that you are looking for. They will also be able to help you find further practical and financial support to assist your move.
The Rent Smart Wales guide is useful if you are looking for a home in the private rented sector.
Costs
Do I have to pay for my accommodation when I move out of my initial accommodation?
Yes, you will be expected to pay for your accommodation but financial assistance through Universal Credit may be available to support you.
What else will I have to pay for when I move out of initial accommodation?
If you rent, you will have to pay for the gas, electricity, water and council tax. You will also have to pay for a Television licence if you have a television and for internet if you need it.
The way you pay these bills will depends on the provider. Payment is usually to be via a direct debit, this will go straight out of your bank account.
If you are eligible for Universal Credit payments, you can use these for part or all these costs. This will depend on how much you are eligible to claim.
If you are receiving benefits, you may also get to discounted rates on these bills. Speak to your Work Coach who will be able to help you.
If I move to host accommodation is it free?
You will not need to pay rent to live in host accommodation.
However, you may be asked to make other financial contributions, for example towards household costs.
Hosts receive small thank you payments from the UK Government for accommodating people in their homes but this is not intended to cover your food or other costs. The cost of living is increasing in the UK so we encourage you to discuss with your host whether they need you to make a financial contribution. They may agree for you to help pay towards food, transport, water, gas and electric.
Everyone’s circumstances will be different, and if you are required to make a financial contribution this should be one that you can afford.
If I move to private, self-contained accommodation how much will it cost?
When looking to rent it is important to think about how much rent you can afford to pay. This will depend on what your other outgoings are (for example, whether you have children).
You should also consider if you are entitled to receive Universal Credit. If so, you may get help with all or part of your rent.
If you are renting from a private landlord, you may receive up to the Local Housing Allowance rate for your area to cover or help with the cost of rent. You can check the Local Housing Allowance rates to see if you can afford to live in the area you want. You should also look at this advice about managing rent payments on Universal Credit.
You can find more information and support at Citizens Advice Cymru by ringing 0800 702 2020 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). You will be able to access information and/or speak with an adviser online.
If I move into private accommodation will all the costs be covered by Universal Credit?
Your Universal Credit entitlement is based on your personal circumstances. These websites can help you check your eligibility and entitlement:
If you are entitled to support from Universal Credit the amount you receive for housing costs relates to:
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The cost of your rent, and
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The Local Housing Allowance in that area.
It may be that part, or all your rent is covered by this. Please note that Local Housing Allowance differs across Wales. Here you can check the amount for any area.
As well as the cost of rent, you will also be responsible for other household bills such as utilities. If you are eligible for Universal Credit, you can use your Universal Credit payments to meet part or all of these costs, depending on your personal circumstances.
When looking to rent it is important to think about how much rent you can afford to pay: 35% of your take-home pay is generally the most that many people can afford. This depends on what your other outgoings are (for example, whether you have children).
If you are of pension-age or living in certain types of accommodation, such as a hostel, you might be able to claim Housing Benefit for help with your rent
Will my Universal Credit be stopped if I have to leave my employment because I have to move to a different area for more permanent accommodation?
It is very important that you tell Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) as soon as you start discussing a move to more permanent accommodation. You can do this either via your Work Coach or by keeping your client journal up to date, to avoid any sanctions.
This will allow your work coach to understand your personal circumstances and assess your ongoing Universal Credit entitlement. It will also enable them to work with teams in your new location to help ensure support is in place to find alternative employment when you arrive.
The Welsh Government works closely with the Department of Work and Pensions so they understand that people may need to move to different areas in Wales. We are working to ensure where possible this does not interrupt your Universal Credit claim.
If you move address, and you are in receipt of any benefits (disability, working age, retirement) you must tell the Department of Work and Pensions your new address so that they can stay in contact with you.
If you are already at a location such as a Welcome Centre where the Department of Work and Pensions is present, tell them your new address and they will help support you in reporting this change.
If I start work will my Universal Credit entitlement end?
Universal credit is flexible and can adapt as your circumstances change. If you start work, you will need to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of this change of circumstances. They will then re-calculate your entitlement based on your new income.
It is possible that you may still be entitled to some Universal Credit while you are working. This will be based on your personal circumstances and is calculated on a case-by-case basis.
You can use the following online calculators to see how much better off you might be in work and what the impact of any earnings will be on your benefit entitlement
Preferences, Location & suitability:
Can I choose the location of my move on accommodation?
You will be able to say which location you prefer, and this will be taken into consideration. However, we will not always be able to provide accommodation in your preferred location, you could be moved to anywhere in Wales.
This is the same approach and expectations that we have for everyone in Wales who needs housing.
If I have found employment, am I able to stay nearby?
Whilst we encourage you to seek work, we cannot guarantee that your move on placement will be in a location that enables you to continue your current employment.
This will be taken into account during the matching process but we will not always be able to provide accommodation that is in a particular area, or a certain distance from your employment.
Again, this is the same approach we take for everyone in Wales who needs housing.
My child is registered in a local school, am I able to stay nearby?
We are unable to guarantee that your move on placement will be in a location that enables your child(ren) to remain in their current school. We will support you to register your child(ren) in a school at your new location.
Can you provide any assistance for me to move to England?
If you want to move to another area of the UK, make sure that you tell your local authority before you move. They will then contact the local authority in the new area.
The new Local Authority will make any necessary checks and can confirm your new living arrangements are safe and suitable.
If you have a child aged between 4 and 16 it is important to consider the availability of school places in the area that you are considering moving to. Full guidance is available in Annex A of the Guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK.
Are there restrictions on the number of bedrooms move on accommodation must have?
Whilst it is possible for you to move into accommodation that does not have one bedroom per person, you must consider if there is enough living space for you and/ or your family. Move on accommodation will be long term.
It is important that your new home is safe for you and your family. If a rented home is so crowded that it is dangerous then the local authority might say that it is not suitable for a family to live in it.
For example, a house of 3 or more bedrooms might be suitable for a family of 5 (depending on factors such as the age of the children, the layout of the property and bedroom sizes). If the house had fewer than 3 bedrooms, it might not be safe for the family.
Whilst you are in initial accommodation, your local authority can explain to you what size of property is appropriate for you and your family.
If I look to rent my own accommodation how long will I have to commit to as I am keen to return to Ukraine as soon as I can?
Landlords will usually ask you to sign a contract for a fixed term period of 6 or 12 months. They will expect you to pay your rent each month for the duration of the contract.
If you are keen to have more flexibility, then moving into host accommodation might be a better option for you. Your Local Authority can help you find a suitable host offer.
Host Accommodation
If I move to a host, can I still receive support to access longer term private accommodation once that placement ends?
Yes, moving to a host sponsor will not end your support. Once the host placement is nearing the agreed term your local authority will work with you to help consider the most appropriate option for you in terms of move on accommodation, that includes support and financial assistance to secure private accommodation.