Social Welfare Services and Benefits

In the UK you can access the same benefits as British citizens. You can claim immediate benefit support: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/immediate-benefit-support-for-those-fleeing-the-invasion-in-ukraine

You can find the complete list of benefits here: https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators and here: https://www.entitledto.co.uk/. This is the responsibility of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

One of the key benefits you can claim is Universal Credit — help for the unemployed who have never worked in the UK and/or support underage child(ren). Despite the word Credit in the name, this is not a bank credit and you will not need to return or repay the money. Universal credit is cash benefit and it will be paid to your bank account.

More information here: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/what-youll-get). When you find a job, the Universal credit payments will be reduced by 55p for every pound you earn. 

You can apply online: https://www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit or by phone: Universal Credit helpline Telephone: 0800 328 5644.

Pension credit

If you are over 66 and you do not have pension or other income in the UK, you can apply for pension credit: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit). The base cash benefit is  £177.10 per week for the applicant, or £270.30 for two if you have a spouse/partner. You may be eligible for extra money if you have a disability or care for a child or disabled person.  

To claim pension credit you need to call the helpline: 0800 99 1234. The applications are only accepted by phone or post. It is quicker by phone and calls are free. You will need your passport information, your UK entry date, current address and contact details for yourself or your representative who applies on your behalf.  

Important: 

• you do not a National Identity Number (NIN or NINO) to apply. You will be issued one in the process of application.   
• you do not need to have a bank account. Pension can be transferred to a relative's account, if any, or transfer cash to a nearest post office where you can pick it up using a personal code. If you open a bank account later, you can have your pension transferred there.  

Free transport for the pensioners — Freedom pass (London) 

People receiving pension can use transport for free. More information in English here: https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass 

You can use the pass outside of London to travel on local bus services across England during off-peak times — 9.30am to 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at other times. 

You can apply for Freedom pass online (the quickest way) or by post (print application form:  https://secure.freedompass.org/download-form or at a local library. 

You will need a copy of your passport and visa, proof of address and a passport photo: 45х35.