Practical steps for your first weeks in West Sussex, whether you are staying in a hotel or moving into your new home.
While you stay in a hotel, West Sussex County Council staff and your caseworker will help you understand the next steps toward longer term housing. Housing may not become available on a date or in an area you choose. Keep in touch with staff and attend the meetings arranged for you.
Plan for a wait: the first Universal Credit payment usually takes about five weeks after a claim. Ask about an advance if you need help while waiting; an advance is repaid from later payments.
School placements may take time. Ask the admissions team or your caseworker what happens next.
Learning and using English early can make everyday tasks easier. Go at a pace that works for you.
The hotel is a temporary arrangement. Ask staff what facilities are available. If there are no cooking facilities, do not cook in rooms. Follow the hotel's rules.
You may not be able to choose when a suitable home becomes available or its exact location. Ask staff how accommodation options are assessed.
If you are taking part in the FYO housing scheme, ask your caseworker what actions you need to take and what help is available. Keep working with staff and ask for updates on your next steps.
Use the first week to learn how the property works, who to contact and which accounts or services need your new address. Ask questions before a small problem becomes urgent.
Repairs are prioritised by urgency and may not happen immediately. Follow the repair reporting process given by your housing provider or landlord.
Tell Universal Credit about relevant changes in your circumstances through your account.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain and to have many questions. Building independence happens through small, steady steps. Your caseworker is there to guide you as you learn how to manage more for yourself.
Your own situation and local service arrangements may differ. Ask for individual advice when you are unsure.
A first Universal Credit payment usually takes around five weeks after you claim. If eligible and short of money, ask about an advance; you will have to repay it. How payments work ↗
The timescale depends on urgency and the landlord or housing provider's process. Report urgent repairs using the emergency contact you were given.
School admissions and placements can take days or weeks. Complete the application and ask the admissions team what happens next. School places ↗
Caseworkers can guide and signpost you, but formal legal or immigration advice should come from a suitably qualified adviser. Ask to be referred or find an immigration adviser ↗.
Small savings do not automatically reduce Universal Credit. Total money, savings and investments above £6,000 can reduce it, and having more than £16,000 normally means you cannot get it. Tell Universal Credit about changes and check the current rules. Savings rules ↗
Local housing, education and community arrangements can differ. Ask which council and service is responsible for each task where you live.
Availability and whether a home is suitable and affordable affect what can be offered. Tell your worker about important needs, but your preferred location may not be available.
Universal Credit can change with earnings, household circumstances, savings and eligibility. Read your account messages, report changes and ask the Jobcentre or a benefits adviser about your own award. What affects payments ↗
Start with your allocated caseworker for questions about your resettlement plan. West Sussex also has refugee resettlement information. For benefits decisions, use your Universal Credit account or Jobcentre. For legal advice, use a qualified adviser.