Sponsor and house Ukrainian refugees
Overview of being a sponsor and registering your interest
About the scheme
The UK government has launched its Homes for Ukraine scheme, allowing households to sponsor and house refugees who are fleeing the war.
Please be aware that only those who are sponsoring guests under the Homes for Ukraine scheme can receive the sponsor support thank you payment. Hosts will not be eligible for the thank you payment if guests have arrived in the UK under a family visa.
Who can sponsor
A sponsor can be of any nationality, with any immigration status, providing you have at least six months' leave to remain in the UK, so that you can provide at least six months' accommodation. You can live in any part of the UK.
Register your interest to become a sponsor
If you want to offer a home to Ukrainian refugees, you can become a sponsor as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Register your interest to become a sponsor (opens new window)
Sponsor someone you already know
If you already know a Ukrainian refugee or their immediate family member, who you want to sponsor, you can help them to apply for a visa.
Help with visa applications
If you have any questions or need assistance with a visa application you must contact the Home Office.
Role and responsibilities of a sponsor
To become a sponsor you should be able to:
- provide suitable accommodation for a minimum of six months
- stay in regular contact with your guest prior to their arrival to help organise and coordinate their arrival in the UK, meet them on arrival, and facilitate transfer to their accommodation
- signpost the guest to local public services and assist them with tasks such as registering with a local GP surgery
More information on the role of sponsors
£350 optional monthly payment
The government is offering an optional £350 payment to sponsors hosting one or more guests. You will be able to get this once your checks have been completed.
These payments only cover the period the guest is in your house and you should not charge your guest rent for the time they are with you.
Payments are made monthly in arrears, for up to 12 months.
It doesn't count as your income. So it won't impact any benefits you may receive such as Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
Further government guidance
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