Veterans' Benefits &
Signposting Hub
Practical support and guidance for Type 22 veterans, their families, and carers. Whatever the challenge — mental health, housing, finances, employment — help is available.
Not sure where to start? Contact Veterans' Gateway — a single front door to all veteran support services, available 24/7 by phone, webchat, or email.
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
Specialist services, peer support, and crisis resources
Op COURAGE
NHSNHS mental health specialist service for veterans, reservists, and their families. Covers PTSD, depression, anxiety, and transition challenges. GP referral or self-referral accepted.
nhs.uk/op-courage →Combat Stress
CharityUK's leading veterans' mental health charity offering residential, community, and online treatment for PTSD and related conditions. 24-hour helpline available.
combatstress.org.uk →PTSD Resolution
CharityFree therapy for veterans who don't meet the threshold for NHS specialist services. No GP referral needed. Particularly useful for those falling through the gaps.
ptsdresolution.org →Togetherall
OnlineAnonymous peer support platform, free to veterans. A safe online community where members support each other, monitored 24/7 by trained clinicians.
togetherall.com →HeadFIT
MODMOD-provided mental fitness tools and self-help resources. Helps veterans build resilience and manage anxiety before it becomes a clinical issue.
headfit.org →Financial Support & Pensions
AFPS, compensation schemes, and welfare grants
Veterans UK — Pension Portal
GovernmentTrace and manage Armed Forces pensions (AFPS 75, AFPS 05, AFPS 15). Also handles War Pension Scheme and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme claims. One-to-one welfare support available free of charge.
gov.uk/veterans-uk →Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
GovernmentLump sum and ongoing payments for injuries or illness caused or made worse by service after 6 April 2005. Time limits apply — claims should be made promptly.
gov.uk/afcs →War Pension Scheme
GovernmentCompensation for those whose injury or illness was caused by service before 6 April 2005. No time limit on claims. Includes supplementary allowances for mobility and care needs.
gov.uk/war-pension →Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC)
CharityFinancial assistance grants for RN veterans and their families facing hardship. Covers emergency needs, equipment, and longer-term support. Apply directly or via SSAFA caseworker.
rnrmc.org.uk →Housing
Affordable housing, emergency accommodation, and covenant rights
Haig Housing Trust
CharityAffordable rented housing specifically for ex-servicemen and women and their families. Properties across the UK, priority given to those in greatest need.
haighousing.org.uk →Veterans Aid
CharityEmergency accommodation and support for veterans in housing crisis. Based in London but assists veterans nationally. Holistic support including welfare advice.
veterans-aid.net →Armed Forces Covenant — Housing Rights
GovernmentUnder the Covenant, local councils must give "reasonable preference" to veterans when allocating social housing. If you feel this right isn't being honoured, SSAFA can help you challenge the decision.
gov.uk/covenant-housing →SSAFA Housing Casework
CharityTrained caseworkers who can navigate housing applications, council disputes, and emergency situations on your behalf. Free service, available nationwide.
ssafa.org.uk →Career Transition & Employment
Resettlement, job boards, and entrepreneurship support
Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
MODThe MOD's official resettlement service. CV support, interview coaching, job board, and training grants. Access continues for up to 2 years after discharge for most service leavers.
ctp.org.uk →Forces Employment Charity
CharityFree employment support for veterans at any stage — whether recently discharged or years out of service. Job matching, skills translation, and employer introductions.
forcesemployment.org.uk →X-Forces Enterprise
EnterpriseSupport network for veterans and their families who want to start or grow a business. Mentoring, funding guidance, and a community of veteran entrepreneurs.
xforces.org →Civil Service Guaranteed Interview
GovernmentVeterans who meet the minimum criteria for a Civil Service role are guaranteed an interview. Declare your veteran status on the application form to claim this entitlement.
civil-service-careers.gov.uk →Healthcare
NHS entitlements, specialist services, and hearing care
NHS Priority Treatment
NHSVeterans have priority access to NHS treatment for conditions related to their service, subject to clinical need. Tell your GP you are a veteran — many surgeries now have veteran-friendly GP accreditation.
nhs.uk/armed-forces →Veterans Trauma Network
NHSSpecialist NHS network for veterans with complex physical injuries from service. Coordinates care across multiple specialties and regions. GP referral required.
veteranstraumanetwork.nhs.uk →NHS Hearing Services for Veterans
NHSNoise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common service-related conditions among RN veterans, particularly those who served in machinery spaces. Ask your GP for a referral to audiology and mention your veteran status.
nhs.uk/hearing-loss →Legal & Welfare Casework
Free legal advice, advocacy, and welfare support
SSAFA
CharityTrained volunteer caseworkers who can help with almost any welfare issue — benefits, housing, legal disputes, compensation claims, and more. Free nationwide service; one of the most valuable resources available to veterans.
ssafa.org.uk →Royal British Legion Welfare
CharityWelfare support, legal advice line, and benefits guidance for veterans and their families. The RBL also campaigns for veterans' rights and can represent members in complex disputes.
britishlegion.org.uk/support →Naval Families Federation
Service orgRepresents the interests of Royal Navy and Royal Marines families on welfare issues. Useful for those with family members still serving or for veterans whose families need support.
naval-families.org.uk →Identity, Records & Documentation
Service records, medals, and Veterans ID Card
Armed Forces Veterans Card
GovernmentOfficial photo ID confirming veteran status. Free to apply, required to access many veteran-specific services and discounts. UK postal address required. Takes up to 8 weeks.
gov.uk/veteran-card →Service Records Request
GovernmentRequest your service records via Veterans UK's online portal. Older records (pre-digital era) may require a postal request and can take several weeks. Records are required for many pension and compensation claims.
gov.uk/military-records →Medal Enquiries & Replacements
GovernmentApply for medals not yet received or obtain replacements for lost medals via the MOD Medal Office. Replacements are available at cost; originals are issued free if not previously awarded.
gov.uk/apply-medal →Blue Light & Veterans Discounts
Retail, leisure, and travel savings for veterans
Defence Discount Service
DiscountsFree card giving access to hundreds of retailer discounts across travel, dining, shopping, and leisure. Available to veterans alongside serving personnel. One of the most comprehensive discount schemes available.
defencediscountservice.co.uk →Blue Light Card
DiscountsAvailable to veterans as well as emergency services workers. Small annual fee. Accepted at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions across the UK.
bluelightcard.co.uk →English Heritage Free Membership
LeisureVeterans are entitled to free entry at English Heritage and many Historic England sites. Present your Veterans Card at the gate. A great way to explore the nation's military and naval heritage.
english-heritage.org.uk →CSSC Sports & Leisure
LeisureAffordable membership giving access to sports facilities, leisure activities, and social clubs across the UK. Open to veterans as well as current public sector workers.
cssc.co.uk →Family & Carer Support
Support for families, carers, and the bereaved
SSAFA Family Services
CharityWelfare casework and practical support for families of veterans. Covers financial hardship, housing, bereavement, and signposting to specialist services. Free, confidential, nationwide.
ssafa.org.uk →War Widows' Association
CharitySupport, community, and advocacy for those who have lost a partner due to military service. Campaigns for improvements to War Widows' Pensions and provides peer support.
warwidowsassociation.org.uk →Carers Trust
CharitySupport for anyone caring for a veteran with physical or mental health needs. Advice on carer's assessments, benefits, and respite services. Local carer centres across the UK.
carers.org →Combat Stress — Family Support
CharityCombat Stress offers guidance and support to family members and carers of veterans experiencing mental health difficulties — not just the veterans themselves.
combatstress.org.uk/family →Information correct as of 2026. Links checked regularly — if you find a broken link, please let us know. This page is maintained by the Type 22 Association committee.