Support for veterans, service leavers and their families

AFCS covers injuries, illnesses, or deaths caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. You can claim for both physical and mental health conditions. You have 7 years from injury (or diagnosis) to claim, though late claims may be accepted in exceptional circumstances. Awards include a lump sum tariff and Guaranteed Income Payment for serious injuries.

Op COURAGE is the dedicated NHS mental health service for veterans, reservists, service leavers, and their families. You can self-refer. Combat Stress (0800 138 1619) provides specialist trauma support, and SSAFA, RBL, and Help for Heroes also offer mental health services.

Under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Armed Forces Covenant Act 2021, veterans (including spouses and bereaved families) within 5 years of leaving service are given additional preference for social housing in England. Specialist veterans housing is also provided by Stoll and SSAFA.

The Armed Forces Covenant Act 2021 places a "due regard" duty on public bodies (NHS, councils, schools) to consider the unique demands of service when delivering services in healthcare, housing, and education. Veterans should not be disadvantaged by their service when accessing public services. If you believe you have been treated worse because you served, raise it via the body's complaints procedure — and you can escalate to the Veterans' Commissioner or your MP. Note the AFCS has a 7-year deadline for claims.