About us
We provide free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments.
We also provide welfare support for veterans of any age, and their families through the Veterans Welfare Service and the Veterans UK helpline: 0808 1914 218.
Who we are
We provide compensation, pension and welfare support to serving personnel and veterans and facilitate access to appropriate support from other government departments, local authorities, independent bodies and the charity sector.
Our responsibilities
Free help with compensation claims for injury in the armed forces
Information and forms that will help you access MOD compensation payments for injury or illness caused by armed forces service.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
You can claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) for an illness or injury that was caused as a result of service on or after 6 April 2005. You do not need to have left the armed forces before claiming.
Assessment, award, payment and maintenance of war pensions, related allowances and other payments for those disabled or bereaved through service before 5 April 2005.
Assessment, award, payment and maintenance of all pensions relating to service in the armed forces. This includes the armed forces pension schemes and reserve forces pension scheme.
Help and welfare for veterans and those leaving the armed forces
Help and support for service leavers and veterans from the Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and other organisations.
Veterans Welfare Service (VWS)
Provides support to all veterans, their families and dependants. The Veterans Welfare Service focuses on providing assistance where a change in circumstances may have resulted in a welfare need. One to one advice is provided by phone or home visit when needed.
Defence Transition Services (DTS) provides a full range of transition support for Service Leavers and their families, who are facing a challenging transition out of the military.
Help and support when a veteran or service person dies
The death of a family member is a difficult time. We provide a number of free services to families when a veteran or service person dies.
Veterans UK helpline
Our helpline staff offer specific advice on war disablement pensions and the armed forces compensation scheme.
The helpline also deals with queries from Veterans, serving personnel, their families and third parties regarding claims and can refer on to the Veterans Welfare Service and service charities if required.
Ilford Park Polish Home
Residential and nursing care home in Devon for former members of the Polish forces under British command in World War 2, or who were displaced from Poland following World War 2, or their spouses. Ilford Park Polish Home meets a wartime UK government promise made by Winston Churchill.
Contact us
Veterans UK
Tomlinson House
Norcross
Thornton Cleveleys
FY5 3WP
Email veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Freephone (UK only): 0808 1914 2 18
Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043
8.00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday
When the helpline is closed, callers will be given the option to be routed to The Samaritans 24hr helpline.
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