Independent Living Fund: Homes for Ukraine
The Independent Living Fund is for guests who are transitioning from host accommodation to private rented accommodation. It is available for guests who are moving to live independently from the 1 April 2025.
Guests must have been part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme or Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.
The fund consists of a one-time payment of:
- £2,000 for groups of two or more individuals who will be housed together as a family unit
- £1,000 for single individuals
The funding can be used to buy items to support the move to independent accommodation.
Eligibility
To receive a payment you must:
- be moving directly from your Essex host or sponsor into your first independent housing after 1 April 2025
- be registered on the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme
- hold either a valid Homes for Ukraine or Ukraine Permission Extension visa
- have been living with a sponsor or host under the Essex Homes for Ukraine scheme for a minimum of 3 months
- have a valid, current UK bank account in your own name - applications which do not match the bank details will not be eligible
- be able to provide a current tenancy agreement for a minimum of 6 months
- not have made a successful claim in the past
- not have applied or received other payments from alternative similar funds
Only one claim can be made per new household moving into independent living accommodation.
The new accommodation can be outside of Essex, but must be in the UK. It can be either furnished or unfurnished.
How to apply
During the application you will need to upload a current tenancy agreement. The tenancy agreement must be:
- signed
- dated
- in the name of the applicant
- dated on or after 1 April 2025
- for a UK address
- for a minimum of six months
Apply for the Independent Living Fund.
Next steps
We will contact you with the results of your application within 10 working days.
If you have any questions, email H4U@essex.gov.uk.
Terms and conditions
Essex County Council reserves the right to claim back any Independent Living Payment made to guests who fail to leave the host or sponsor property to move into independent accommodation. All payments are subject to the guest meeting the set criteria and providing a valid, signed and dated legal tenancy agreement.
Read the full terms and conditions in Ukrainian (PDF, 167.38 KB).
Read the full terms and conditions in English (PDF, 93.78 KB).