How can I offer a UK home to Ukrainian refugees?

The government has launched its "Homes for Ukraine" scheme, which will let people in the UK host refugees in their homes.

It says tens of thousands of people fleeing the war in Ukraine could come to the UK through this route.

The scheme will cover Ukrainian refugees who don't have family ties here.

Who can apply to host a Ukrainian refugee?

Anyone in the UK - of any nationality, providing they have at least six months leave to remain in the UK - can apply to be a host through the government website.

You have to be able to host the refugees in your own home or in another property, for at least six months.

Charities, businesses and community groups will also be able to apply.

Those offering to house refugees will be vetted by the government, and Ukrainian applicants will also undergo security checks before being matched with a host. There will be more detailed guidance on the checks in the coming days.

The government says there will be no cap or upper limit on the number of Ukrainians who can come under the scheme.

Almost 90,000 people signed up to be a host within the first day.

Do you have to know the refugee you want to host?

In the "first phase" of the scheme, people will need the name of a Ukrainian individual or family they wish to sponsor.

The government advises them to "get in contact with them directly and prepare to fill in a visa application with all their details and yours".

The process will start on 18 March. Refugees with a valid Ukrainian international passport will be able to apply online, but those without one will have to go to a Visa Application Centre. These are operating in European countries including those bordering Ukraine such as Poland.

Those who don't personally know anyone fleeing Ukraine, can register their interest on the government's website.

They are also advised to get in touch with charities, faith groups or local community organisations who are starting to make connections between individuals.

Charities which work in this area include:

Will hosts be paid?

Host households in the UK will be offered a tax-free payment of £350 a month for up to 12 months, regardless of how many individuals they support.

Only one payment can be made per residential address.

The government website says hosts "will not be expected to cover the costs of food and living expenses (although you may wish to offer this yourself)".

Local authorities will also receive £10,500 in extra funding per refugee for support services, with additional money available for children of school age.

There will be more details on the role of local councils in providing wider support in the coming days.

What rights will the refugees have?

Any Ukrainian national, or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national, who was resident in Ukraine prior to 1 January 2022, will be able to apply to come to the UK.

Those who are granted a visa under the scheme will be eligible to work, and can access state benefits and public services for three years.

Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer and Morrisons are among UK retailers who have offered to employ Ukrainian refugees.

The government has also said it will look at options to provide support to Ukrainian nationals who want to come to the UK with their pets.

War in Ukraine: More coverage