The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that Ukrainian refugees fleeing the country following Russia's invasion of the country will be able to claim benefits as soon as they arrive in Scotland and the UK.
The UK Government department is implementing emergency regulations so that people coming from the war-torn country can access Universal Credit and jobs support straight away.
Refugees will also be eligible to receive Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Child Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance and Attendance Allowance, as well as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) if they meet the eligibility criteria.
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As reported by the Daily Record, there will be translation services available to help arrivals with phone applications, and Work Coaches in Jobcentres will be able to assist claimants with online applications.
Staff will also be on hand to offer face-to-face help for people who require it, including personal support to locate work and advice on benefit eligibility.
If they emergency legislation had not been passed, refugees arriving from Ukraine would be required to complete the Habitual Residence Test, and would have to wait as much as three months before they could begin receiving income-relate benefits such as Universal Credit.
Regarding the support, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey stated: “My priority is that people fleeing the unimaginable horrors in Ukraine to seek safety here get the support and help they need from day one to move forward in their lives immediately.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “The UK Government has acted swiftly to ensure Ukrainian refugees arriving in Scotland from as early as this week can claim welfare and jobs support as soon as they get here.
“Scotland and the whole UK has a strong and proud history of welcoming refugees and we are doing everything we can to support people arriving from Ukraine."
Salvation Army Refugee Response co-ordinator Major Nick Coke stated: “We welcome the news that Ukrainians coming to the UK will be able to access benefits immediately and for those who are able, help to find suitable work.
“With offices on the ground in Ukraine and the border countries providing emergency food and shelter, The Salvation Army sees first-hand the trauma those displaced by war have experienced. It is fitting that they receive targeted help when seeking refuge in the UK.”
