DWP support for

Ukrainians arriving

in the UK

All information contained in this pack is correct as of April 2022

What does

DWP do?

DWP administers a number of services for citizens of all ages. These include:

Universal Credit (UC) is a monthly payment for those of working age, to help with your

living costs if you’re on a low income. You could be working (including self-employed or

part time) or be out of work.

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State

Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as

ground rent or service charges.

DWP administers carers and disability benefits including:

•Carer’s Allowance - extra money if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week.

•Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Child Disability Living Allowance - extra

money to help with additional costs for those who have a long term physical or mental

health condition or disability

•Attendance Allowance –if you are aged over 66 and have a mental of physical disability

this may help with the extra costs of your care.

Jobcentre Plus

•Jobcentre Plus helps people move from benefits into work and helps employers

advertise jobs. It also deals with benefits for people who are unemployed or unable to

work because of a health condition or disability.

Find out more about DWP and it’s other services online at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions , and

https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/support-for-those-fleeing-the-conflict-

in-ukraine/

What is a

National

Insurance

Number?

Your National Insurance number is unique to you. It is a

combination of letter and numbers. It never changes.

It records the tax and National Insurance contributions you

make, which pay for your healthcare and other public services.

You need a National Insurance number to be able to work or

receive benefits in the UK, however you can look for and start

work without a National Insurance number if you can prove

your right to work in the UK.

You can prove your right to work to an employer by showing

them your Biometric Residence Permit or by showing them

your visa in your passport.

How to get a

National

Insurance

Number

DWP has processes in place to request a National Insurance Number for

those who require one in order to receive benefit, for example when you

apply for UC or Pension Credit, and do not have a National Insurance

Number, your details will be passed internally to generate a number for

you. These applications are prioritised, and in most cases National

Insurance Numbers can be allocated for benefit purposes within 10 days.

Any Ukrainian National who is not claiming benefits and who wishes to

work in the UK and requires a National Insurance Number for employment

purposes can apply for a National Insurance Number online at:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

It is important to note that a National Insurance Number is not required

to start work. All individuals seeking employment can start work provided

they are able to demonstrate that they have the right to work in the UK.

Applying for

Universal

Credit

You can apply for Universal Credit online at: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-

claim

You will need to create an account to make a claim.

To apply online you’ll need:

•your bank, building society or credit union account details

•an email address

•access to a phone

You’ll also have to prove your identity. You’ll need some identity documents for this, for

example:

•A full or provisional Ukraine photo driving licence

•Any national identity card, except those issued under the UK ID Card Scheme

•A residence permit, registration certificate or document certifying or indicating

permanent residence issued by the Home Office or the United Kingdom Border Agency

to a national of a European Economic Area country or Switzerland.

•A Biometric Residence Permit issued by the United Kingdom Border Agency

There is a Help to Claim service provided by Citizens Advice which is confidential. They will

not share your personal information unless you agree. A link to their service can be found

here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/helptoclaim/

If you are unable to claim online or to get help with your claim, you can call the Universal

Credit helpline. Calls to the Universal Credit helpline are free. Telephone: 0800 328 5644

When your UC claim has been made you will be invited for a meeting with your Work

Coach at your local Jobcentre Plus. More information about this meeting and on-going

support is available later in this pack.

Applying for

Pension Credit

Eligibility criteria for Pension Credit is available at: https://www.gov.uk/pension-

credit/eligibility

You will need to provide details about your partner and your income.

You can find out more on how to apply for Pension Credit at:

https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim

Apply by phone

•A friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone.

•Pension Credit claim line

Telephone: 0800 99 1234

Textphone: 0800 169 0133

Apply by post

•To apply by post you can print out and fill in the Pension Credit claim form

available from gov.uk or call the claim line to request a form.

You can also contact a voluntary organisation like Citizens Advice:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ or Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ if you

need help with the form.

Personal

Independence

Payment (PIP)

PIP is a benefit that helps with extra living costs for people who have a long-term

physical or mental health condition or disability and have difficulty doing certain

everyday tasks or getting around because of their condition. PIP is tax-free and not

affected by income or savings. PIP is available for people over 16 and below state

pension age. PIP is awarded based on how conditions affect people carrying out

everyday activities, it is not dependent on the conditions themselves.

You can check eligibility online at: https://www.gov.uk/pip/eligibility

You can find out more on how to apply for PIP at: https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-to-

claim

Apply by phone (a friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the

telephone).

•Telephone: 0800 917 2222

•Textphone: 0800 917 7777

You’ll then be sent a form that asks about your condition. Complete and return the

form. You might need to have an assessment, if more information is needed.

There’s a different way to claim if you’re terminally ill. Details are available online

at: https://www.gov.uk/pip/claiming-pip-if-youre-terminally-ill.

You can also view the Understanding PIP Videos available at:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeysxjNpEPy8Y73-Ywm7OeAGjFc1Xc-It

Child Disability

Allowance

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of looking

after a child who:

•is under 16

•has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same

age who does not have a disability

To claim DLA for a child you need to be their parent or look after them as if you’re

their parent. This includes step-parents, guardians, grandparents, foster-parents or

older brothers or sisters.

If your child currently lives in England or Wales you can apply by either:

•printing off and filling in the DLA claim form available online at:

https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/how-to-claim

•phoning the Disability Living Allowance helpline and asking for a printed form

Disability Living Allowance helpline:

•Telephone: 0800 121 4600

•Textphone: 0800 121 4523

If your child lives in Scotland, you need to apply for Child Disability Payment instead

of DLA for children. More information can be found online at:

https://www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment

Accessing your

benefit

The main method of paying benefits is into a bank account by direct credit transfer

(called ‘direct payment’). This means the money goes straight into a bank account in

your name. If you make a claim, you will be asked for details of the bank account you

want to use for your benefit.

There are a range of accounts available that are suitable for having your benefit paid

into, including:

•A basic bank account (also called an introductory account)

•A standard bank or building society account (for example, a current account)

•Building Society account

•An online only or App-based account

•A credit union account

You can find out more about the various accounts you can use by following the link

below:

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/benefits/universal-credit/choosing-a-bank-

account-for-your-universal-credit-payment

Please speak to a member of DWP staff if need any help or wish to discuss your

options.

Accessibility

support

DWP supports people who do not speak English as a first language in accessing

interpreter services for all DWP benefits through:

•Telephony with a three-way call with a qualified interpreter

•Face-to-face services in DWP offices

DWP supports people who require British Sign Language (BSL) in accessing

interpreter services for all DWP benefits in a number of ways:

•The Video Relay Service is available for all DWP services through gov.uk and

allows customers to make an inbound call to DWP via a BSL interpreter using a

video connection. The service can be accessed via a tablet, smartphone,

computer or laptop

•For existing D/deaf customers where a BSL need has been established, Jobcentre

Plus work coaches are able to book a face-to-face BSL interpreter for

appointments through our contracted supplier

•If a D/deaf person attends a Jobcentre to seek access to DWP services, they will

be signposted to use the Video Relay Service or, where necessary, a future

appointment can be arranged for a face-to-face appointment with a BSL

interpreter

Support

available for

you at your

local

Jobcentre Plus

Jobcentre Plus helps people move from benefits into work and helps

employers advertise jobs. It also deals with benefits for people who are

unemployed or unable to work because of a health condition or disability.

Jobcentre Plus provides a free employment advice service to everyone of

working age, they can provide access to training opportunities and signpost

to trusted partner organisations for specialist support.

Jobcentre Plus has public computers to help you in your job search and

offices can be found in most cities and some towns across the UK.

You can find your nearest Jobcentre Plus office here: https://find-your-

nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/

Your Work

Coach

You will be allocated a work coach who you will meet on a regular

basis.

They will give you support to build your skills and explore different

job options and training opportunities.

If you are disabled, a disability advisor can support you and help you

access correct support and suitable employment.

Meetings with

Your Work

Coach

You can get advice on how to manage your money from Citizens

Advice Bureau and Money Advice Service.

What happens when you claim Universal Credit and are

invited to see you Work Coach?

Your first meeting will include verification of your Identity and any

additional evidence that is required to move forward with your

Universal Credit claim.

Your evidence

and ID will be

verified

Your first meeting will establish the support you need and explore if

you are eligible for additional support. Work out your immediate

needs and goals and set out your long-term and future goals and

requirements. It is very important that you arrive on time for your

meetings.

Explore

support with

your Work

Coach

A Claimant Commitment is an agreement between yourself and the

DWP. It sets out what you need to do to receive benefits. You must

follow it to receive your benefits. It will list your job goals or the things

that might prevent you from finding work. It can change as your

journey progresses.

Your Claimant

Commitment

will be created

and accepted

These meetings are mandatory. You will focus on activities you are

doing to find a job and include regular job search discussions. Your

Work Coach will provide guidance & coaching, and review progress

and update your Claimant Commitment.

Continue to

meet your

Work Coach

for on-going

support

Ready for

work?

Minimum Wage

Every employer must pay their

employees a minimum amount

per hour, from April 2022 those

minimums are listed here.

•£9.50

Age 23 and over

•£9.18

Age 21 to 22

•£6.83

Age 18 to 20

•£4.81

Under 18 or Apprentice

Usually your employer will provide

you with a payslip.

This will show:

•Your earnings before and after

any deductions.

•Deductions (for example: tax,

National Insurance)

•The number of hours you worked

What is

expected of

you as an

employee?

Arriving to work on time. If you are late, you

should let your employer know.

Being respectful of your colleagues and

employees at work.

Informing your employer when you are

unwell, have appointments and when you

would like to take holiday.

Taking care for health and safety at work,

reporting hazards, illnesses or injuries.

Dressing appropriately (and where required,

wearing the uniform).

Working within Company guidelines and

respecting the terms of your contract.

Your Rights at

Work

✓You have the right to be treated fairly at work. Men and women have

the right to work and have equal rights and duties.

✓You have the right to work in a safe environment and be free from

threats, violence and harassment from your employer, colleagues, or

customers.

✓Employers must respect the needs of employees as long as it does

not interfere with the work they are employed to do.

✓It is illegal to discriminate against anyone applying for a job or in the

workplace on the basis of gender, race, religion, being married or in a

civil partnership, disability, age, sexual orientation, being pregnant.

✓Working Hours - This is usually a maximum 48 hours a week on

average. If you are under 18, you can’t work more than 8 hours a day

or 40 hours a week.

✓You should keep your ID documents (for example your ID or

passport) –your employer does not have the right to keep them.

The terms and conditions of your work will be in your contract.

Make sure you read your contract carefully before signing it.

How to Find a

Job or

Apprenticeship

DWP’s National Employer and Partnership Team (NEPT) is co-ordinating pledges from

employers who are interested in recruiting people from Ukraine. Details of these job

opportunities will be shared with Work Coaches, so they are accessible for all DWP

customers. DWP are also working with Refugee Employment Network (REN), a charity which

works with organizations across the UK to support refugees into work, so these job

opportunities will also be shared across REN networks for the wider refugee community.

Find a Job & Find an Apprenticeship: https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job

Free online job website. Contains latest vacancies for jobs or apprenticeships across different

career opportunities and job sectors. Available 24/7, 365 Days a year. You can search for jobs

without an account. You need to create an account to apply for a job.

National Careers Service: Provides free, impartial and personalised information and guidance

on careers. Can help you to make decisions on learning, training and work. Advice is delivered

through individual and group face-to-face sessions, over the telephone and online at:

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

Skills Advisory Panel: Publishes reports on local skills online. Contains career information for

local people. Examples include jobs in health services, care sector, engineers and IT.

You could also consider:

•Your local authority website - lists jobs locally, and may also have information about

recruitment events and companies hiring in your area.

•Job fairs - events where recruiters come to meet potential employees.

•Local and national newspapers –will have a section with a list of job vacancies.

Applying for a

Job or

Apprenticeship

Once you have found a job you want to

do, you need to submit an application.

Your work coach can arrange help for

you with this.

Your application might include:

- Application Form

-CV

- Cover Letter

Once you have submitted your

application, you may be invited to an

interview.

Employers may ask to see your

documentation. It will help if you can

bring original documents (BRP, proof of

your qualifications and experience).

Employers may ask for references from

people who can verify your suitability

for the job.

Curriculum

Vitae (CV)

•A CV (curriculum vitae) lists

your skills, education and

work experience.

•You normally need in your CV

as part of a job application.

•You should try to tailor your

CV to the job you are

applying to.

•You can find free templates

for CVs online.

•You can ask your Work Coach

to help you.

Interviews

After submitting your application, you

might be invited to an interview.

Do not worry if you do not hear back

from the employer –applying for jobs is

competitive. It is normal to apply for

many jobs at once.

Interviews can vary –you might be

asked a series of questions or asked to

complete a trial shift.

Read the interview instructions well –

you may be asked to prepare something

in advance.

Try to arrive early to the interview and

check what the dress code is.

You can ask your Work Coach to help

you prepare.

Voluntary

Work

•Voluntary work means

working for an

organisation without

being paid. This could be

for a charity or a

voluntary organisation.

•Volunteering can be a

good way you build your

confidence and skills,

meet new people and

give back to your local

community.

•Voluntary work increase

your chance of getting a

job, especially if you

haven’t worked in the

UK.

What to do if

you think you

have been

unfairly treated

by an employer,

or need

support?

▪Complain directly to your employer

▪Use someone else to help you sort it out

(mediation/alternative dispute resolution)

▪You can find out more information about your rights by

contacting ACAS on 0300 123 1100.

▪Make a claim in a court or tribunal. You can get further

advice and support from the Equality Advisory Service:

www.equalityadvisoryservice.com

▪If you are being forced to work or your employer is not

respecting your rights, you can get advice from the Modern

Slavery Helpline by calling 0800 0121 700.