Guide for Ukrainians: Work, benefits and money (English)

Date published: 4 May 2022

Salford is a welcoming city, and our aim is to help you have a safe and comfortable experience while living in Salford. This guide provides information about work, benefits and money services you will want to access.

It includes specific advice to support those arriving on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

1. Opening a bank account
2. Job centre and applying for Universal Credit
3. Finding work

Opening a bank account

There are a range of banks available, choose one that suits you best. There are also online-only providers which you can use. To open a bank account in the UK, you will need:

• Passport
• biometric residency permit
• driver’s licence or recognised identity card
• You also need proof of permanent address

Some UK banks already have a system for opening accounts where you do not have a permanent UK address.

Applying for Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a means tested social security benefit designed to help those who face financial hardship, or who have specific needs. You can find information on this and other benefits available.

There are two ways to apply for Universal Credit:

1. At a Job Centre Plus – Call 0800 328 5644 to make an appointment to find out which benefits you can access. You can find a list of Job Centres.
   
2. Online - You will need to create an account to make a claim and you must complete your claim within 28 days or you will have to start again. Apply online.

To apply you will need:

• your bank, building society or credit union account details
• an email address
• access to a phone

You’ll may also need some identity documents, for example:

• passport
• debit or credit card

Call the Universal Credit helpline or use the Help to Claim service to get help. Calls to the Universal Credit helpline are free - Telephone: 0800 328 5644

National Insurance number

A National Insurance (NI) number is used to make sure your National Insurance contributions and tax are recorded against your name only. This is a code with letters and numbers and never changes. You will need a National Insurance (NI) number when you apply for a job.

You can find information on how to get one.

Finding work

We know many Ukrainians will want to work. You have the right to work as soon as you arrive in Salford. You need to be 18-years old to work full time.

United For Ukraine is a dedicated website to help newly arrived Ukrainians easily locate job opportunities and assist their settlement in the UK.

For Ukrainian nationals, it provides a searchable list of job opportunities with employers who have committed to providing good job opportunities in a supportive environment.

For employers, it provides an easy and direct way to communicate job opportunities to Ukrainian nationals coming to the UK. The site also provides a wide range of information on further support that your new colleagues may find helpful.

You can find more information and search available job opportunities.

You can also find information and advice about finding a job, improving your skills and gaining work experience.

Your rights and protection at work

Information about your rights and protection at work can be found here.