I wish to offer support during the Ukrainian crisis

Residents who wish to volunteer their home to host those fleeing the war in Ukraine can do so via the government's 'Homes for Ukraine' initiative. Further information on how the scheme operates and how residents can register is available on the GOV.UK Homes for UK: sponsor guides.

Additionally, if you wish to donate to help the Ukrainian people in their time of crisis you can do so through the British Red Cross Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal: DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal British Red Cross.

Additional sponsorship payment for Ukrainian Host Families

Surrey County Council and local district and borough councils who are managing the "Homes for Ukraine" scheme locally have agreed an additional 'thank you' payment, to be paid monthly to host families until March 2026 after which it will revert to the government funded level which is currently £350. This is acknowledging that the financial circumstances faced by host families in Surrey, who welcomed Ukrainians into their homes, will have changed from the time they agreed to host Ukrainian families to our current economic situation in the UK.

Currently host families are paid £350 per month until 31 March 2025 for being sponsors to guests within their first year, which rises to £500 once guests have been in the UK for more than 12 months. From 1 April 2025 families hosting guests on the Homes For Ukraine Scheme or those guests who were previously on the Homes For Ukraine Scheme and have moved onto the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme will receive a flat rate of £350 from the government. However, it has been agreed that the county council will continue to top up this payment to enable all hosts (who are eligible and pass all the relevant checks) to receive an increased 'thank you' payment of a total of £600 whilst they are eligible for them, if they continue to host. This is to compensate for the rise in energy, food, and fuel bills.

From 1 October 2024, close family members hosting Homes for Ukraine visa holders are not eligible to start claiming thank you payments. This applies to new arrivals and those who are already in the UK and move in with a close family member. Close family members refers to any of the following: spouse, civil or unmarried partners, parents, parents-in-law, sons or daughters, sons or daughters-in-law, step-sons or step-daughters, siblings, grandparents, or the spouse, civil or unmarried partners of any of these people.

Who does this apply to?

This applies to existing hosts who are already in receipt of thank you payments, and new hosts who complete all the checks satisfactorily going forward. This funding comes from The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) via the county council to the district and borough councils to pay the sponsors directly, once they have passed all the relevant housing, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and safeguarding checks.

Already a host receiving monthly payments?

There is no need for you to do anything, whilst your guest continues to be hosted under a Homes for Ukraine visa, as the additional payment will be paid automatically by your district or borough into your nominated account. If you wish to opt out of the additional payment, please let your local district or borough council know. However, once your guest applies to move on to a Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme visa you will be required to reapply to your local district or borough council for thank you payments.

Already a host and opted out of receiving monthly Thank You payments?

You may have opted out of receiving monthly payments as a host and your financial circumstances have now changed. If you feel that you now would prefer to receive monthly payments in order for you to continue to support your Ukrainian guests, please let your local district or borough council know and they can talk through your circumstances.

District and Borough Council Information

Could you become a host family?

We do not have enough new hosts in Surrey to cope with the ongoing demand. We are increasing payments to thank people, to recognise the increased cost of living, to encourage more hosts to come forward, but also to incentivise people to return to hosting, if they previously stopped due to financial hardship or concerns about increased household costs in the months ahead.

If you have any questions about the Homes for Ukraine scheme, visit the GOV.UK Homes for Ukraine: sponsor guides webpage.

Useful information about hosting

If you're thinking of becoming a UK host or are about to arrive in the UK from Ukraine the following organisations have put together some useful guides with information and guidance on things to consider when becoming a host or being hosted in the UK.

The Ukrainian Institute London

The Ukrainian Institute London website provides useful links, information and guidance for UK hosts looking to support Ukrainians and for Ukrainians arriving in the UK.

Ukrainian London - Guide for hosts

This Homes for Ukraine - a guide for hosts aims to provide information for those who are already hosting Ukrainian refugees under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, or are planning to do so. This guide has been developed by a team of volunteers within Ukrainian London initiative and is being constantly updated.

Reset Communities and Refugees

Reset supports and leads the Community Sponsorship movement in the UK, where over 300 groups have prepared to welcome refugees in the UK. They are now offering a matching, training and support service to sponsors and refugees under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

Hosting Good Practice Guide by the No Accommodation Network (NACCOM)

Hosting Good Practice Guide Part 1: Key Considerations For Prospective Hosts