What are the main assistance programs and social benefits available to Ukrainians who have used different migration schemes to the UK, and how can you use the benefits calculator to determine benefits based on different criteria and circumstances?

Ukrainians who benefit from the Family Assistance Scheme, the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, and the Ukraine Extension Scheme are eligible to apply for state aid from the first day they arrive in the UK.

The main benefit programmes are:

• universal credit if you are between 18 and 65 years old and have less than £16,000 in savings;
• o pension credit if you are 66 or over (also depends on the amount of your savings).

Universal credit

The standard amount of benefits:

o   if you live alone and are under 25 years old – £292.11;

o  if you live alone and are over 25 years old – £368.74;

o  if you live with a partner and you are both under 25 years old – £458.51 (for two);

o  o if you live with a partner and one of you is over 25 – £578.82 (for both of you).

The exact amount of universal credit you get depends on your personal circumstances.

Child payments

If you have children, you can receive payments if the children live with you.

You will receive an additional amount until 31 August after the child's:

o  16th birthday;

o  19th birthday if they are still in education.

Benefits are only paid for the first and second child.

The standard amount of payments:

o  for the first child – £315.00 (born before 6 April 2017); or

o  £269.58 (born on or after 6 April 2017);

o  for a second child – £269.58.

You will also receive an additional amount if one of your children is a person with a disability. You are entitled to this additional amount regardless of how many children you have.

The standard payment amount is:

o  £146.31 if the child is disabled;

o  £456.89 if your child is severely disabled.

You can claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs (e.g. daycare) if you are working.

Childcare must be provided by a registered provider.

You can get a maximum of:

o  £950.92 per child;

o  £1630.15 for 2 or more children.

Payments for persons with disabilities

Standard payments:

o  if you have a limited ability to work – £390.06;

o  if you have a disability and applied for universal credit on health grounds before 3 April 2017 – £146.31.

Also, if you rent an apartment, you may be eligible for additional universal credit payments. The payments cover rent and some services.

The universal credit system is designed to gradually reduce the amount you receive in proportion to the amount you earn, rather than suddenly cutting it off.

You can apply for universal credit online. The page also contains all the information you need to apply. You can also apply by phone: 0800 328 5644

Pension credit

A standard benefit added to your weekly income:

o  £201.05 if you are single;

o  £306.85 if you are married.

You can apply for pension credit online or by phone: 0800 99 1234

Benefits calculator

You can use the 'benefits calculator' to work out exactly what benefits and entitlements you may be entitled to depending on your personal circumstances.

The benefits calculator is a government-approved online tool to help you understand your benefits more easily.

Turn2Us provide such a calculator and it has been adapted to take into account Ukrainian visa holders, so we recommend using it. Visit this website and select "Benefits calculator" to get started.

Other benefits calculators are listed via this link.

Alternatively, you can contact Turn2Us on 0808 802 2000 for assistance in completing the benefits calculator, with the use of an interpreter if necessary.