Life in the UK for Ukrainian nationals

Resources and information about life in the UK, including health, jobs, and accessing services.

On this page you can find information for the following (click to jump to the section):

What is life in the UK like?

How to get work and benefits

Completing a tax return

How to borrow a wheelchair

How to get emotional support

What is life in the UK like?

Here are some resources about life in the UK:

Completing a Self Assessment tax return in the UK

If you earn money in the UK, you may need to pay tax on it. Self Assessment is the name for the process when you declare and pay any tax owed to the government.

If you are employed, then your employer will deduct any tax owed (Income Tax and National Insurance) before they pay you. If you are self-employed or earn money that doesn't come from your main job, you may need to do a Self Assessment tax return.

How to get work and benefits

You can get help with money and finding a job.

You can apply for Universal Credit. This is money to help you live. Go to your local Jobcentre Plus or call 0800 328 5644. Citizens Advice can also help you. Their service is free and private. After you apply, you will meet someone at Jobcentre Plus to talk about finding work.

If you have no money, you can ask for an advance payment. This gives you some money before your first payment.

You do not need a National Insurance (NI) number to start work. You only need to show your visa or Biometric Residence Permit. You can apply for an NI number later.

You can get Child Benefit if you have children under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in school). This gives you money every month. You must fill in a form and send it to the Child Benefit Office.

If you live with a host family, they may pay less Council Tax. You may also get £200 from the local council to help you when you arrive.

For full information, visit the government website on how to access work and benefits.

Borrowing a wheelchair

If you know somebody who needs a wheelchair or mobility equipment, the Red Cross hires out equipment for short-term use. The service is free to Ukrainian refugees.

0300 456 1914, or visit redcross.org.uk/wheelchair

Emotional support

It is common to feel a lot of different emotions after leaving your homeland and your wellbeing and mental health may well suffer because of your experience. You can use our wellbeing resources (available in English and Ukrainian) to manage feelings like anxiety, stress and worry.

Ресурси покращення добробуту українською мовою (Ukrainian)

Ресурсы улучшение благополучия на русском языке (Russian)

Wellbeing resources in English