Help for Armed Forces personnel and veterans
Many people, especially those aged over 70, will have a connection to the UK Armed Forces, having served in the Second World War or elsewhere, through national service. Others will have links as a current service person or by being the partner or dependant of someone who has served or is serving.
If you are in financial need, help may be available to you through benefits benefits, charitable funds and other resources.
Benefits
Use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator to check your general entitlement to benefits.
To read more about the benefits aimed at people who are serving member of the Armed Forces or a veteran, select from the list below:
Grants
The Turn2us Grants Search can help you find the support you need through Armed Forces-focused and other charitable funds.
Armed Forces charities
There are a number of military charities that provide assistance to people with an Armed Forces background, each with their own set of eligibility requirements.
These include:
- UK-wide and national Armed Forces charities, such as the Royal British Legion, SSAFA (the Soldiers, Sailors, Air Force Association), The Officers’ Association and Poppyscotland
- Charities helping people who have served in particular branches of the Armed Forces, for example: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity; The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund; and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity
- Regimental associations/charities, for example: The Royal Engineers Association, Royal Artillery Charity, The Royal Signals Benevolent Fund
- Charities concerned with specific aspects of service, such as: The Burma Star Association, AJEX Charitable Foundation (formerly known as The Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen & Women)
- Charities that help people from Armed Forces who have a particular medical condition: for example: Blind Veterans UK, British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association, Combat Stress.
Help may be available to them from one of these charities, for people who:
- Are still serving
- Are veterans
- Served as a regular or reserve, because of the Second World War or national service
- Had a long or short period of service
- Are the partner, spouse, widow, widower or dependent child of someone who served.
Other charitable funds
Help may be available from other charitable funds listed on the Turn2us Grants Search, based on your personal circumstances, background and needs.
Use the Turn2us Grants Search to find help
Information
The Turn2us Your Situation information section contains resources on benefits, grants and advice/support.
Our website also has Find an Adviser tool to help you find national and local sources of further help.