What are the “thank you” payments for sponsoring Ukrainians?
As a UK sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, you can receive a monthly “thank you” payment from your local council as a gesture of appreciation for offering free accommodation to displaced Ukrainians.
Payment details (England):
£350 per month for the first 12 months of hosting (until 1 April 2025)
After 12 months:
£500 per month until 1 April 2025
From 1 April 2025 onward: a flat rate of £350/month for all sponsors, regardless of how long your guest has been in the UK
Only one payment per residential address
Paid monthly in arrears and administered by your local council
When will I receive payment?
After your local council completes an initial accommodation check and your guests have arrived
Payments are backdated to your guests’ arrival date
You won’t receive payments if your home doesn’t meet the scheme’s standards
What if my guest moves out or changes visa?
Payments stop once your guest moves out or if you’re no longer hosting
If guests move from a Homes for Ukraine visa to a Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) visa, you can continue receiving £350/month for 18 months
If your guest is a close family member, you are not eligible for thank you payments (as of 1 October 2024)
Local councils will assess whether a close family relationship exists before approving payments.
Will this affect my benefits or council tax?
No. “Thank you” payments:
Do not impact your benefits
Do not affect council tax single person discount (unless your local authority says otherwise)
🔗 Always check the official GOV.UK site for the latest updates
USPUK ia a recognised provider under the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine Visa Scheme, USPUK continues to support safe and appropriate sponsorship matches for displaced Ukrainians.
You can make a difference
At USPUK, we support not only Ukrainian families on their journey to the UK but also the generous hosts who open their homes to them. From the moment they register on our website throughout their hosting experience, we are here to help.
If you’d like to help someone on their journey to a new beginning, consider becoming a host today. Visit our Become a Host page to learn more.