RESETTLEMENT

Veterans Stepping Stones is designed to help and assist all Armed Forces personnel during their transition from the Armed Forces back into the civilian population. 

We have listed below as much help & information as possible that we can currently find to hopefully make your transition go as smoothly as possible. 

If you get stuck during any part of your resettlement and transition, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our hardest to try and help you.

All Armed Forces personnel must serve a minimum contract of 4 years from the age of their 18th Birthday.  If they wish to leave the Armed Forces, they must give 1 years notice or they can also leave by Medical Discharge if injured.  There is a possibility to leave the Armed Forces at the Commanding Officers discretion and this is very rare, there is no possibility of PVR (Premature Voluntary Release - Buy Yourself Out) anymore.

Regarding Resettlement, all members of the Armed Forces must serve a minimum of 6 years to qualify for the Resettlement leave.  Those leaving the Armed Forces after serving between 4 - 6 years are entitled to use the Job finding service (Employment Support Programme) and can find themselves facing very difficult decisions, including homelessness later on.  Everyone who is Medically Discharged through injuries are entitled to Resettlement leave and Benefits, you can check all eligibility criteria by visiting the following Government Website.

Resettlement Grants assist those leaving the regular armed forces to resettle into civilian life after completing a substantial period of service.  A Resettlement Grant is not a pension, it is a tax-free lump sum paid to regular service personnel, who, at the time they leave the services, are not eligible for Early Departure Payment benefits, an Immediate Pension or ill health award (or any other immediate pension benefits) and they meet Resettlement Grant qualification criteria, which are:

• AFPS 2015 and AFPS 2005: all personnel need to have 12 years’ relevant service (from date of entry)
• AFPS 1975: Officers to have at least 2 years’ Commissioned service and have 9 relevant years of reckonable service from age 21
• AFPS 1975: other ranks to have 12 relevant years of reckonable service from age 18.

The value of the Resettlement Grant, effective from 1 April 2020 is:

• AFPS 2005 and AFPS 2015: £11,651
• AFPS 1975 for Officers £16,597, and Other Ranks £11,344

The Resettlement Grant is increased each year at the same rate as armed forces pensionable pay.  Only 1 resettlement grant is awarded, for those who have service in more than one scheme.  If personnel are re-employed after leaving they may have to re-pay some or all of the grant.  See the re-employment booklet for more details.

Terms of Service PDF

PDF Document End of Service

MEDICAL TREATMENT

ADVICE / MENTORING

Medical Treatment

There are many Charities and organisations that offer help and assistance with Mental Health issues by signposting to other agencies for treatment.  Veterans Gateway is the recommended help in the United Kingdom for most matters and they have put in place Op-Courage where veterans can receive Medical Help. 

Op Courage is the NHS service that provides specialist care for those Armed forces veterans suffering from a mental health crisis.  The new service combines the Veterans’ Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS), the Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment Service (CTS) and the Veterans’ Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS).  This means that veterans can access the most suitable level of service for them across seven regions in England.

The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), is part of Veterans UK and provides one-to-one support to veterans via a national network of welfare managers across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Phone or email the Veterans UK helpline and ask for the Welfare Service.

Northern Ireland: Veterans can access dedicated support through the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office.

Scotland: veterans can access veteran-led mental health, and welfare support through Veterans First Point, part of NHS Scotland. This includes guidance from experienced Peer Support Workers.

Wales: Through the Welsh Government the NHS has a Veteran Therapist in each Local Health Board. 

Physical Health For Veterans

Use the physical health section on the Veterans Gateway website for information on service related illnesses, rehabilitation, recovery and healthcare services. See expert advice from our partners including information about military medical discharge, initiatives for veterans, hearing and sight loss and more.  If you suffer from an injury during your military service, it is vitally important to make sure that all of your injuries or illnesses are documented and where possible, get a copy of all medical reports and any witness statements should you wish to claim compensation or submit a claim for a war pension.

Family Support & Mentoring

SSAFA offer a huge amount of support to Single and Married Veterans and their Families, along with many other charities, we have listed them all on the Help-Information page and the Families page.  Not many know that SSAFA actually offer Mentoring for Families along with many other services.

RE-LOCATION

HOUSING & ACCOMMODATION

Re-Location & Accommodation

Accommodation is always a contentious issue with service leavers and the same goes for their families, most currently feel there is never enough help given for housing which is the most important part of a service persons transition back to the civilian population.

Get veteran focused help and information on the different types of housing support available from the Veterans’ Gateway:

• Finding a home
• Homelessness
• Owning a home
• Renting a home
• Eviction and repossession
• Care homes and supported housing

Guidance and information on civilian housing.

Veterans’ Gateway

The Veterans’ Gateway can put veterans and their families in touch with organisations best placed to help them with information, advice and support they need from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.   The Government have just announced an £8.5M package called "Op-Fortitude" to help veterans with all issues, especially homelessness.   Op-Fortitude aims to stamp out homelessness amongst Veterans and can be accessed by calling the following number: 01748 833797

We have listed a great deal of help and information on our Housing page,  it list's most Local Authority Housing organisations in the United Kingdom and also private company's who Let properties.  There are a few Charities who have Emergency Accommodation and they are listed on the Housing page also but you can find additional help by visiting the following:

• Recruiting ex-services personnel
• Housing Matters magazine 2012
• Housing Matters magazine 2016
• Civilian housing briefs
• Service personnel housing: other organisations who can help

Veterans In Need holds a Directory of some Emergency Temporary Accommodation, which ranges from a Canal Boat through to Working Holiday's, where you will be staying from Monday to Friday in a house in the countryside, helping and assisting the owners throughout the grounds.  The list of Accommodation is only available because of the kind heartedness of others and you will be expected to pay the going rate of Housing Benefit for some of the accommodation, including Council Tax and Energy costs.  We are in the process of searching for Caravan accommodation to add to the list

EMPLOYMENT, COURSES

EDUCATION

We have great pleasure in recommending these excellent Employment Businesses & Organisations, who are offering outstanding vacancy's and courses, allowing progression in your chosen career.  Some are being run by Veterans of our Armed Forces, plus members of their families.   You can access each company by following the links provided, or by just using the telephone number to speak to them directly. 

Some individuals prefer to further enhance their skill's and education by going to University, you can get details about this by visiting Career Transition Partnership or the Government website for Further Education and the ECLAS website so you can use your learning credits.

Complete the Contact-Us form to add your company to the page, all donations go directly to Charity helping others & make a huge difference to their lives, you make the donation to the value of your choice.   If you use one of the businesses, make sure to mention " Veterans In Need " for a great discount.   We are on the Home Pages of the listed  What's On In Advertising,

A Great Place to Work is the Civil Service, which aims to encourage more veterans to join them when they leave the armed forces.  You can also check employment vacancies through BFRS or ExForces Jobs Network

PENSION'S, BENEFITS

FINANCE

Armed Forces Pension

Those who serve for 12 years or more will receive a Half Preserved Pension payable at State pension age, and those who serve 22 years or more will receive a Full Military Pension which is  paid at age 55.  All pensions in the United Kingdom are subject to Income tax, and if you take up employment working beyond the age of 55, you will be taxed on your pension along with your salary.  If you claim state benefits, your pension will be taken into account as a form of income.  You can get the latest details regarding Armed Forces Pensions by visiting the Governments Website regarding pensions.

State Benefits (Universal Credit)

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs, it includes the benefits below that are payable to individuals or couples.  It’s paid monthly in England and Wales - or twice a month for some people in Scotland.  You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.  If you live in Northern Ireland, go to Universal Credit in Northern Ireland.

Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits and tax credits:

• Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• income-based

       Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Working Tax Credit

If you’re getting any of these benefits or tax credits, you do not need to do anything unless:

• you have a change of circumstances you need to report
• you get a letter called a ‘Migration Notice’ telling you that you must start to claim Universal Credit

You’ll stop getting these benefits and tax credits when you or your partner claims Universal Credit. If you or your partner gets Pension Credit, this will also stop if one of you claims Universal Credit.  You should use the Benefits Calculator to see if you qualify for Benefits.

Compensation For Injuries / War Pension

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) compensates for any injury, illness or death which was caused by service on or after 6 April 2005.

There are 2 main types of AFCS awards:

• a tax free lump sum payment for pain and suffering
• a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) which is a tax free, index linked monthly payment.

The rules of the scheme and the value of the payments awarded are set by Parliament and are calculated by reference to a tariff of injuries.

It is entirely separate from any other personal accident cover, such as Personal Accident (PAX) or Life Insurance (LI). Any accident cover that you may already hold is not considered when determining an AFCS award. 

The Scheme is designed to provide compensation, irrespective of fault, across the full range of circumstances in which illness, injury or death may arise as a result of service. It does not seek to affect the right to make a civil claim if you think that the injury, illness or death was caused by the Department’s negligence.

If you are no longer serving and your disablement was caused or made worse as a result of service in the armed forces before 6 April 2005, you can claim under the War Pension Scheme (WPS).

Who is eligible?

The Scheme covers all regular service personnel, the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and members of the reserves for all 3 services. You can claim whether you are still serving or have left HM Armed Forces.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Free independent advice

You do not need a paid representative such as a solicitor or claims management company to apply for compensation. Free independent advice is available from the Veterans Welfare Service or other charitable organisations.

Paid representation

If you choose paid representation, we cannot meet the cost of this and you will have to pay these costs yourself. Where someone is representing you on a ‘no-win no-fee’ basis this usually means that they will keep a share of your payment to cover their fees. You may wish to check how much of your payment will go to your representative before you agree to paid representation.

Time limits for claims

Claims for injury or illness must be made within 7 years of the earliest of the following dates: 

The date of the incident leading to the injury or illness.

The date on which an injury or illness not caused by service was made worse by service in the case of illness.

The date of first seeking medical advice for that illness.

The date of discharge.

While there are time limits, above all you should submit a claim for compensation at a time which is best for you.  There are certain circumstances when a claim will be accepted outside the time limits above such as being prevented from claiming due to ill health or your illness occurs later. Please contact Veterans UK if you would like more advice on this.

How to make a claim

To make a claim, visit the Armed Forces Compensation and War Pension page.  Visit Claim For Injuries to see what you may be entitled to.

Finance and Savings

It is vitally important to manage your finances and always stay on top of things, Banks & Financial Institutions prefer it if you stay in touch with them if you are struggling, and without a doubt, they will treat you more favourable if you keep in touch with them.  Try your hardest to refrain from Gambling and if you can manage to save just a little each month, you will be able to live an enjoyable stress free life. We have Help on the Help & Information page if you do have a Gambling addiction & can also offer personal advice by getting in touch with us.

An Excellent Website to visit to get fantastic Financial Help & Information is the Citizens Advice Bureau, it is constantly being updated and if you are still a serving member of the Armed Forces, never be afraid to make an appointment with your RAOWO or RAO / Paymaster to discuss any problems or concerns, we also have help on our Finance page.

Step Change Debt Charity offers free expert advice to help you with your debts & get you the support you need. You can get advice online or over the phone, and they will recommend a range of debt solutions based on your situation. Tel: 0800 138 1111 or visit: www.stepchange.org

Useful Links

Job Centre Plus

New Benefit Claims

Existing Claims

Change / Cancel Appointment

All Benefits DWP

Benefit Calculator

REHABILITATION OF

AN OFFENDER

The following Charities and Organisations have all of the experience needed to help and assist you, if you have fallen foul of the law and been given a custodial sentence.  We recommend that you watch the Video opposite and contact them at the earliest convenience to ensure that you get the maximum benefit available.

Project Nova RFEA Website

Rehabilitations For Offenders - UNLOCK

St Giles Trust -  For Offenders

If you can not get the Help and Assistance that you need, please get in touch with us at the earliest convenience and we will do everything within our powers to get you the help that you need.  We also have a great deal of Help & Information on other pages on the website. 

FOLLOW UP

AFVBC - VETERANS UK