Check eligibility and closing dates
16 January 2024 This grant scheme is now closed to eligible Ukrainian guests who arrived in Herefordshire on or before 1 October 2023 under the Homes for Ukraine (HfU) Scheme. For those arriving under the HfU scheme after this date, you have 3 months from date of arrival to apply to the travel scheme
Download and read this information in Ukrainian
Download and read this information in Russian
The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme launched in March 2022. Since this time volunteer hosts have welcomed 700 Ukrainian guests to Herefordshire. In response to the Scheme and our growing understanding of the needs of those who have come to the UK from Ukraine under the scheme, Herefordshire Council has developed a local scheme to support the individual travel needs of Ukrainian guests.
The funding for this comes directly from central government's Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.
The aims of the travel scheme are to:
- Ensure that Ukrainian guests feel welcome, safe and supported in Herefordshire.
- Support Ukrainians to become more self-sufficient, whether living with a host or independently.
- Enable Ukrainians to integrate within the local community and access essential services, employment and training opportunities and social activities.
What the money can be used for
The money can only be used for travel or transport costs for you and your household to get out and about whilst you are living in Herefordshire.
This can include:
- The purchase of a motor vehicle or bicycle
- Running costs of motor vehicles or bicycles
- Public transport
- Help towards being able to drive in UK, for example, driving lessons, cost of driving test
You cannot use it for travel costs outside of the UK.
You cannot use it to buy a vehicle which it is illegal to use on the public highway, such as e-scooters.
How much you can apply for
You can apply for a payment of £500 for you and each of your family who is aged five or over and living in Herefordshire under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
You can combine the grant you receive, so for example, a family of four could use £2,000 towards the cost of a car.
Who is eligible
- Ukrainian guests aged five or over on 1 October 2023, who have a Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship visa.
- You must be living in Herefordshire with proof of residency.
- You must have a UK bank account in your name or a member of your household.
How to apply
The online form is available in English and Ukrainian. Select your language on the form.
Complete the travel scheme application online
- Use the form to explain how you intend to use the funding.
- Submit the form online – we will let you know we have received it within 7 days.
- When we receive your application, we will let you know if you have been successful within 21 days.
- If your application is successful, you will be sent an offer letter which you must sign and return (you will be able to do this electronically) together with your bank account details.
- Payment will then be made into your account within 14 days.
- You do not have to provide evidence of how you have used the funding, unless we ask for it. Please note we will be contacting a sample of applicants to provide us with assurance that the money has been used appropriately.
How to get help with your application
If you need some help with your application you can contact the Homes for Ukraine Scheme on supportforukraine@herefordshire.gov.uk
Deadline for applications
The scheme closes to those currently eligible on 31 December 2023.
If eligible applicants arrive after 30 September 2023, they will be offered the opportunity to apply when they arrive in Herefordshire with a deadline to submit applications within 3 months. Any funding should be used within 6 months of receipt.
Terms and conditions
If you are offered a payment, you will be sent terms and conditions specific to this scheme.
Key points to consider are:
- You must comply with the terms and conditions. If you want a copy of the terms and conditions, please contact the Homes for Ukraine Team by email: supportforUkraine@herefordshire.gov.uk.
- You should not make any purchases until you have received the payment.
- You need to keep all paperwork relating to travel scheme for 6 months after you have used all the funding - that is, all invoices, receipts and bank statements.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my travel costs are more than the scheme payment?
- The council will only provide £500 per eligible member of your household. You will need to fund other costs yourself.
- It is a one-time payment - only one payment will be available per eligible member of the household.
What do I do if my plans for spending the money are different to that in my application form?
- If you are unable to use the money within the time period or not for the original purpose stated in your application, you need to send the Homes for Ukraine scheme an email to explain why it has not been possible and any alternative proposals you want to put forward.
Fraud statement
By completing the application or accepting the payment, you are confirming that you are eligible for the funding. If your eligibility circumstances change after making an application or receiving this funding, you must notify us immediately.
Herefordshire Council will not accept deliberate manipulation or fraud, and any instances will be actively investigated. Any individual who falsifies their records or dishonestly provides inaccurate information to gain this money will face prosecution. The council reserves the right to recoup funds and claw back any payments paid in error.
Read our fraud prevention privacy notice for more details of:
- How your information will be used by us to minimise fraud and
- Your data protection rights
Data protection
Herefordshire Council is the Data Controller under data protection law for any personal data provided by you and we will only use the information you provide on this form to administer, process and assess your application for funding under the Homes for Ukraine Travel Scheme and to administer any funding if your application is successful. The legal basis for processing this data is that it is necessary for the performance of a contract with you or to take steps preparatory to such a contract.
Individuals have a number of rights under data protection law, including the right to request their information. You also have a right to make a complaint about our handling of your personal data to the Information Commissioner's Office.
We will keep your data once an application is approved and funding released for the period of 7 years as defined by the funding body.
Information may be shared with other persons or organisations helping us with the assessment and monitoring of applications. Information you provide may also be shared with government departments, agencies and third parties appointed in connection with the administration of this grant.
For details of how your information will be used by us and your data protection rights as a beneficiary of the Homes for Ukraine Travel Scheme, read our Homes for Ukraine scheme privacy notice for guests.