The Homes for Ukraine scheme allows Ukrainian nationals and their family members who were residents in Ukraine before 1 January of 2022 to apply to come to the UK and stay with a UK-based sponsor.
To find more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme and how to apply for a visa please visit the Apply for a visa under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme pages on GOV.UK.
If you want to host a Ukrainian family
To become a host please register via the Homes for Ukraine: record your interest pages on GOV.UK.
The next steps of this process will require checks to be carried out on your property and yourselves as hosts. Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council teams will be in touch with you to arrange this once you are matched on the system.
The checks carried out include property checks, Disclosure and Barring Service checks, and safeguarding checks to ensure the health and safety for both parties are adhered to and your property is suitable for guests.
Once all checks are completed and passed you will be eligible for a £550 'Thank you payment' per month. Further guidance can be found on the Sponsor support: Homes for Ukraine scheme pages on the Oxfordshire County Council website.
If you want to let a property to a Ukrainian family
Please see what we can offer to landlords on our Refugee housing appeal page.
Housing support for Ukrainians in Oxford
Searching for private rented accommodation
To live independently, securing private rented accommodation is the most realistic option in Oxfordshire. Oxford itself is one of the most unaffordable cities in the country with a highly competitive rental market. We strongly advise you to be open to considering alternative areas.
For more information about renting a home in the private sector visit our Renting a home in the private sector page.
If you find suitable and affordable accommodation to rent, Oxford City Council may be able to support you financially with a deposit and first month's rent. The Council may also be able to provide you with money for furniture and white goods depending on your financial situation.
Social housing
Social housing in Oxford is very scarce and we are only able to house around 5 people out of every 100 on the housing register each year, with more applicants being assessed as having the highest housing needs added each month.
Even those assessed with the highest need may wait a very long time.
Applicants with a low need who require a one-bed or family sized property can expect to wait around 10 to 20 years or may never be housed.
To make an application for Oxford City Council’s Housing Register, please use visit our Apply for social housing pages.
If you have a local connection to Oxford you can now apply for affordable homes in other parts of Oxfordshire. Currently Oxford residents can bid for some properties in The Vale of White Horse. Please consider applying on the Housing pages of the Vale of White Horse District Council website.
Benefits
To understand how much benefit you will be entitled to when you start renting privately or get social housing, please see the following links:
Council Tax
If you’re on a low income, you can check if you’re eligible for a Council Tax Reduction.
Additional support for Ukrainians in Oxford
Connection Support - a local organisation - provides face-to-face family centred support to engage with displaced Ukrainians (under the Homes for Ukraine scheme) - helping them gain the skills and confidence they need to live independently in the UK. Connection Support is working in partnership with Refugee Resource to offer practical, social, and mental health support to help them connect with their local area and integrate into their new neighbourhoods.
For enquiries, please email ukraineenquiries@connectionsupport.org.uk.
The Friendship Centre in Summertown
The Friendship Centre in Summertown welcomes Ukrainian guests and their host families offering a welcoming, safe space for:
- simple food and hospitality
- activities for children
- translators
- advice desks
- English tutoring
- local people to signpost and help
The sessions are attended by officers from the Oxford City Council’s Housing Services Team if you have any questions about housing in Oxford.
The sessions are held every Wednesday from 11am to 2pm at St Michaels Church, Lonsdale Road, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7ES
Email: ukraine@stmaa.org.uk
Visit the St Michael and All Angels Summertown Oxford website.
Information you may find useful
You can find more useful information about:
- How your local council works
- Health services in Oxford
- Free and low cost food in Oxford
- Learning English in Oxford
- Working and volunteering in Oxford
- Local support agencies and organisations
- Education and learning on the Oxfordshire County Council website
- Apply for your free three-month bus pass on the Oxfordshire County Council website
