Britain will sharply cut payments to families hosting Ukrainians

The UK government will significantly reduce financial support for families that provide housing to Ukrainians under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. From 1 January 2027, the monthly payment for host households will decrease from £350 to £100.

The new rules will apply not only to future participants of the scheme, but also to families that are already hosting Ukrainians and receiving payments. The British government made these changes to the official rules of the scheme on 15 September.

Thus, the so-called thank you payment will be reduced by £250 per month, or by more than 70%. Until 31 December 2026, host families will continue to receive £350 per household.

The payments are provided to Britons who host Ukrainian citizens free of charge under Homes for Ukraine. The money is intended to compensate for the hosts' additional expenses, but is not considered rent.

The changes will also affect families that continue to host Ukrainians after their guests switch to the Ukraine Permission Extension visa. In most cases, such hosts can receive payments for 18 months from the moment the Ukrainian switches to this type of residence permit.

At the same time, the British government will reduce funding for local authorities under the scheme. From January 2027, the amount allocated to municipalities per arriving Homes for Ukraine participant will be reduced from £5,900 to £3,300.

The decision has already raised concerns among some Ukrainians and host families. British media quote scheme participants who fear that after the support cuts, some hosts will no longer be able to provide accommodation on the same terms. For Ukrainians who cannot afford to pay rent themselves, this may mean having to find a new sponsor or apply for housing assistance from the local council.

The official rules allow for a change of host family. If the current host can no longer provide accommodation, the Ukrainian can find a new scheme participant themselves, through charities or with the help of the local council. The new host, after the necessary checks, will also be able to claim a payment — but from 2027 it will be £100 per month.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. According to data cited by British media, about 181,000 Ukrainians received support through the scheme out of more than 230,000 Ukrainian citizens who came to the UK after the war began.

Based on materials from: UK government, AOL