Veterans & Armed Forces questions
5 direct answers, each with the short version first and a link to the full guide. For the whole topic, see Veterans & Armed Forces.
Can I claim Armed Forces compensation years after leaving?
Often, yes — leaving long ago is not a bar in itself. AFCS covers service on or after 6 April 2005, and you normally have seven years from the injury, from leaving service, or from becoming aware of the condition. For pre-2005 service, the War Pension Scheme has no time limit.
Can I claim compensation for PTSD caused by my service?
Yes — PTSD, complex PTSD, anxiety and depression are all compensatable under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme if service caused or worsened them, for service since 6 April 2005. Awards typically fall in tariff bands 6 to 12, and a psychiatrist’s diagnosis linking the condition to service events is essential.
How do I get veterans' mental health support through Op COURAGE?
Call 0800 952 1029 — Op COURAGE takes self-referrals, so you do not need to go through your GP. It is free NHS care for anyone who served at least one day in HM Forces in England, with no minimum service and no time limit after leaving.
Do veterans get priority for housing if they become homeless?
Not automatically — being a veteran is not itself a priority need category. But many veterans qualify as vulnerable, the Armed Forces Covenant duty binds housing authorities, and one day’s service is enough to give you a local connection anywhere you choose to apply.
What is the difference between the AFCS and a War Pension?
The date of the service that caused the condition. AFCS covers service on or after 6 April 2005 and pays a tariff lump sum plus, in serious cases, a Guaranteed Income Payment. The War Pension Scheme covers earlier service and pays a weekly pension based on your percentage disablement.