Welcome to the February update
These bulletins are now every two months and we'll send separate bulletins if anything more urgent happens in between bulletins.
If you know of any groups, ideas or good news stories you would like us to share, please email ukrainesupport@easthants.gov.uk
There's lots of information on our website about the support available for hosts and guests.
You can translate this bulletin into Ukrainian by clicking on the orange 'speak' icon on this page
Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme
On the 1 September 2025, the government announced that the current Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme open to Ukrainian guests will be extended for another 24 months following the initial 18 month period.
We are waiting further details on this, all information when published will be updated on the GOV.UK website.
Sponsor payments - recent changes and updates for 2026
Hampshire County Council have agreed that from 1 April 2026, they will pay all hosts £350 per month in line with the national government rate.
It has been confirmed that ‘sponsor thank you payments’ are available to sponsors for the duration of the guest’s Ukraine visa permission. This can be up to 36 months for sponsors of guests who are on the three-year Homes for Ukraine visa and up to 18 months for guests who are on the 18th month Homes for Ukraine visa (this came into effect on 19 February 2024).
Under the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which came into effect on 4 February 2025, thank you payments to sponsors are available to those guests who extend their stay for 18 months. On 26 November 2024, government confirmed host payments will only continue for the first 18 months of the guest’s UPE period. After this, thank you payments will stop.
If you would like to discuss a transition plan for your guest(s) for when sponsor payments reduce from 1 April or discontinue after a guest has been in the UK for 4.5 years, please contact ukrainesupport@easthants.gov.uk and a member of the EHDC Ukraine team will get in touch with you.
Visit our website for Ukraine sponsor guidance
Obtaining a Ukrainian passport in the UK
We have been informed that as of 31st December 2025, Ukrainians can apply for their Ukrainian passport in London.
Online and face-to-face English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses and other courses such as Digital Skills in Alton and Havant, online ESOL introduction to driving theory and ESOL intro to job seeking in the UK.
You can search by theme such as preparation for employment and improving essential skills.
For more information or to book - email adult.learning@hants.gov.uk
Cost of living support
If you are struggling with the cost of living, there may be support available.
Visit our website to find out more
