Am I entitled to redundancy pay?

You are entitled to statutory redundancy pay if you have worked for your employer for at least 2 continuous years. The amount depends on your age, length of service and weekly pay, capped at £751 per week.

What is unfair dismissal?

Unfair dismissal occurs when your employer dismisses you without a fair reason or without following a fair procedure. You need 2 years of service to claim, reducing to 6 months from January 2027.

When is statutory sick pay paid?

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is now paid from Day 1 of illness following the Employment Rights Act 2025. The current rate is £123.25 per week for up to 28 weeks.

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ACAS — Free employment advice: 0300 123 1100 — acas.org.uk
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ICO — Data protection queries: 0303 123 1113 — ico.org.uk
Financial Ombudsman — Financial disputes: 0800 023 4567 — financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Energy Ombudsman — Energy disputes: ombudsman-services.org/energy
NHS — Healthcare guidance: nhs.uk
Veterans UK: 0808 1914 218
Benefits helpline: 0800 169 0310

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🎖 Veterans & Armed Forces Guide

Veterans' Rights in the UK: Benefits, Housing & Support in 2026

Left the armed forces and not sure what you're entitled to? This guide covers the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, War Pension, veterans' housing priority, employment rights, and the support available to you.

✅ Last verified: July 2026📚 Sources: GOV.UK, Veterans UK, MOD🇬🇧 Applies across the UK

⚖ Know Your Rights at a Glance

Armed Forces Covenant: A commitment that veterans should not be disadvantaged because of their service. It is now a legal duty for many public bodies.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS): Tax-free lump sum and/or Guaranteed Income Payment for injuries or illnesses caused by service on or after 6 April 2005.
War Pension Scheme: For injuries or illnesses caused by service before 6 April 2005 or for conditions related to World War I and II.
Veterans' housing priority: Local authorities must give additional preference to veterans with urgent housing needs under the Code of Guidance.
Veterans' NHS priority: Veterans receive priority NHS treatment for conditions related to their service.
Employment rights: Reservists have the right to return to their previous job after mobilisation, and cannot be dismissed because of reserve service.

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)

The AFCS provides compensation for injuries, illnesses or deaths caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. It includes:

A tax-free lump sum based on a tariff of injuries
A Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) for the most serious injuries — a tax-free monthly payment for life

Claims must generally be made within 7 years of the injury or illness being diagnosed. Contact Veterans UK (part of the MOD) to make a claim.

War Pension Scheme

The War Pension Scheme covers injuries and illnesses caused by service before 6 April 2005 (and WW1/WW2 claims). It provides:

War Disablement Pension — for injury or illness caused or made worse by service
War Widow's/Widower's Pension — for surviving partners

There is no time limit for making a War Pension claim. Contact Veterans UK to apply.

Housing rights for veterans

Local authorities in England must give additional preference in their housing allocation policies to:

Veterans with urgent housing needs
Surviving partners of armed forces personnel killed in action
Service leavers at risk of homelessness

If you're a veteran seeking social housing, tell your local council about your service. The Armed Forces Covenant means councils should not disadvantage you because of your service history (e.g. lack of local connection).

Employment rights for veterans and reservists

Veterans have all standard employment rights. Key additional protections for reservists include:

The right to return to their civilian job after a period of mobilisation (with protection lasting at least 6 months)
Protection from dismissal because of reserve service
Employers can apply for financial assistance to support reservist employees through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

Veterans leaving service should be aware that many employment skills translate well into civilian roles — and some employers give veterans preference under the Armed Forces Covenant commitment.

Claim AFCS or War Pension as soon as possible

Contact Veterans UK: 0808 1914 218. The 7-year limit on AFCS claims means it's important not to delay.

Tell your council about your veteran status when applying for housing

Councils must give additional preference to veterans with urgent needs — but they need to know about your service history.

Register with your GP as a veteran

Veterans receive NHS priority treatment for service-related conditions. Tell your GP you're a veteran when registering.

Check entitlement to means-tested benefits

Veterans with low income or disability may be entitled to Universal Credit, PIP, or Pension Credit. Use entitledto.co.uk to check.

Contact a veterans' welfare officer or SSAFA

SSAFA (0800 260 6767) and the Royal British Legion provide free welfare support and can help with benefit applications and appeals.

🎖 Check Your Veterans' Rights

Describe your situation and get guidance on the rights and support available to you as a veteran or reservist.

Use the Free Checker →

Frequently asked questions

How do I claim the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme?

Contact Veterans UK on 0808 1914 218 or apply at gov.uk/claim-for-injury-caused-by-service. Claims should generally be made within 7 years of the injury or diagnosis.

Can I get priority housing as a veteran?

Yes — local authorities in England must give additional preference to veterans with urgent housing needs. Tell your council about your service when applying.

I left the forces years ago — can I still get a War Pension?

Yes. There is no time limit for making a War Pension claim for service before 6 April 2005.

Do veterans pay for NHS prescriptions?

NHS prescription charges apply in the normal way for most veterans (i.e. you pay unless you have an exemption). However, veterans' service-related conditions are treated as priority — you should receive faster treatment. Some NHS regions have dedicated veterans' mental health services.

What is Op COURAGE?

Op COURAGE is the NHS Veterans' Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. It provides specialist mental health support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. Referral is via your GP or self-referral in some areas.

Am I entitled to a Veterans' Card?

The Ministry of Defence issues a Veterans' Card to UK veterans — it provides a formal record of service and is accepted proof for accessing veteran-specific services. Apply through the MOD.

What support is available for veterans facing homelessness?

Several specialist charities support homeless veterans — including Stoll, SSAFA and Alabaré. Local authorities must also give additional preference to service leavers at risk of homelessness. Contact a veterans' welfare officer or your local council immediately.

📞 Free help and support

Veterans UK: 0808 1914 218

SSAFA: 0800 260 6767 — welfare support for veterans

Royal British Legion: 0808 802 8080

Op COURAGE (NHS): refer via your GP

⚠ Important disclaimer: This guide covers veterans' rights across the UK as at July 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice. Verify with ACAS, GOV.UK or Citizens Advice before acting. ukworkrights.co.uk — Not a law firm.