Welcome to Gloucestershire - useful information
Download the Gloucestershire Ukraine Guest Welcome Pack or read through the information tabs below.
- In an emergency
- Introduction and welcome
- When you first arrive - suggested checklist
- What to expect when you first arrive
- Welcome visits
- Registering with a doctor (GP) and Mental Health assistance
- Extra support if you or your children are vulnerable
- Extra help from the county council - bus passes
- Immigration and Biometric Residence Permits
- Finances, employment and benefits
- Opening a bank account, benefits and minimum wage
- Education and childcare - Finding a place at school
- Learning English, post 16 and post 19 Education and Training
- My sponsor wants us to leave, or I want help finding somewhere else to live
- Help with housing and renting
- Driving licenses, bringing your car and moving to the UK
- Help with other issues
You are entitled to work while you are in the UK. To do this you will need to apply for a National Insurance (NI) Number first. You can find more information about applying for an NI number at www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number.
The UK also has a benefits system to help those who are unable to work or are in financial difficulty. You can access UK benefits while you are here. You can get a range of support through Universal Credit (UC).
What is Universal Credit?
This is the name of our benefits system, a small amount of money from the government to help those who need it most. There is specific information on the main type of benefit (Universal Credit) for you from the government at www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/support-for-those-fleeing-the-conflict-in-ukraine.
There is more information on how to apply for a job and on the benefits available in national government’s welcome pack at www.gov.uk/government/publications/welcome-a-guide-for-ukrainians-arriving-in-the-uk
What is a Job Centre?
A Job Centre is where you can go to claim benefits and get help with finding work. Careers advisors will help you to find a job. You can find out where the nearest Job Centre is, at https://find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/search.php or call them on 0800 169 0190. You will need to book an appointment, and your Sponsor should be able to help you.
If you would like more advice or information on benefits, employment and how to apply then you can contact Gloucestershire’s ‘Community Based Support’ services. These are provided to all Gloucestershire residents by charities on behalf of the county council. Find out more in this section.
The Citizens Advice Bureau offers free advice on debt, housing, benefit enquiries, consumer, and employment issues. In future if you have any issues you can contact them to find advice on 01452 527202 or by visiting your closest Job Centre. The Citizens Advice Bureau also has useful information online at www.gloscab.org.uk.