General guidance and information
National information and guidance
The UK government has provided a range of information to help you get used to life in the UK generally, including how to find a home and access essential public services such as healthcare, childcare and education, benefits and employment support.
It’s available in the following formats:
- Guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (English)
- Guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (Ukrainian)
- Guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (Russian)
NHS Scotland information and guidance
NHS Scotland have a guide to NHS Scotland Services in English but with a Ukrainian and Russian translation in parallel which will help hosts to support their guests.
- A guide to NHS Scotland Services for displaced persons from Ukraine - Ukrainian | NHS inform
- A guide to NHS Scotland Services for displaced persons from Ukraine - Russian | NHS inform
British Red Cross information and guidance
The British Red Cross has also produced advice for you:
- Advice for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (English)
- Advice for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (Ukrainian)
- Advice for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (Russian)
Submit your biometric information
If you applied for a visa outside the UK and were granted six months' leave to remain, you can apply to submit your biometric information on the UK Government website to extend your visa.
Initial welfare checks for Homes for Ukraine and Scottish Super Sponsor guests
We’ll make an initial welfare check as soon after you’ve moved in as possible, to make sure your needs are met. We may also ask our colleagues at British Red Cross to make these checks.
You’re entitled to an initial £200 payment to help with essentials until you’re able to make your application for Universal Credit, which we’ll give you during your welfare check.
Opening a UK bank account
You’ll need a UK bank account to receive money from the government – we call these ‘benefits’. There’s more information about benefits below.
There’s a range of banks, and you can choose one that suits you best. There are also online-only providers you can use.
To open a bank account in the UK, you usually need to show proof of your identity. If you don’t have your passport, you should be able to use your Biometrics Residency Permit (BRP) which you’ll get once you’ve submitted your biometrics. You can find more information about this above.
We're unable to recommend any specific bank for you to use but below are links to three of the main ones where you will find more information about the help and support they can provide:
Money Helper also provides advice and guidance on how to open a bank account in your own language.
English speakers of other language (ESOL) classes
Borders College offers English classes for adults living in the Scottish Borders for whom English is not the first language.You can study at a range of levels, from beginners through to SCQF Level 5. You can visit their website for more information.
National Insurance number
Everyone over the age of 16 has a National Insurance (NI) number and you’ll need one if you are planning to work.
Apply for a National Insurance number.
Report a war crime
You may have witnessed or been a victim of war crimes or crimes against humanity. You can report this to the UK police, call 101 at any time of visit your local police station.
They’re also interested to hear from anyone who may be in possession of evidence of war crimes committed in Ukraine. If you have a form of digital media, you can upload this to their website.