5 steps to take if you’re a veteran in need of disability support in England and Wales
If you’re a veteran living with a disability, injury, long-term illness or mobility challenge, you’re not expected to manage alone. Disability support for veterans exists to help you live safely, independently and with dignity.
Whether you need adaptations to your home, mobility equipment, financial support or help with travel, there are schemes in place to support you – many of them free.
This guide explains the practical help available and how to get started.
Time to read:
This guidance is for England and Wales. There are separate guides for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
1. Check what benefits you can get
Unfortunately, many veterans miss out on financial support simply because they don’t realise what they can claim. You may still be eligible even if you’re working, have savings or receive other income.
Key benefits to explore include:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Firstly, Personal Independence Payment is or people with:
- a long‑term physical or mental health condition, and
- difficulties with daily living or mobility
PIP helps with the extra costs of disability.
Universal Credit
Additionally, Universal Credit provides a monthly payment if you:
- are on a low income
- are out of work
- cannot work due to a health condition
Attendance Allowance
If you have a severe disability and need help with personal care, you can claim Attendance Allowance.
Constant Attendance Allowance
You can claim Constant Attendance Allowance if you need daily care due to a disability.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Employment and Support Allowance provides financial support if your disability or health condition affects how much you can work.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or War Pension Scheme
Finally, if your condition is linked to your service, you may be able to claim compensation.
AFCS or WPS payments can affect your eligibility or the amount you receive for other means-tested benefits.
Taken together, these benefits can significantly improve your financial stability.
Eligibility can change, so it’s always worth doing a full benefits check, even if you’ve checked before.
2. Check if you can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant
If your disability makes everyday tasks harder at home, you may be entitled to financial support from your local council through a Disabled Facilities Grant.
These grants help pay for essential home adaptations.
They cover large, structural changes to your home, such as:
- ramps and step‑free access
- stair lifts
- accessible or walk‑in showers
- widened doorways
- grab rails and safety features
- other adaptations that support independent living
For many veterans, these changes are hugely beneficial for improving safety, comfort and independence at home.
Apply for a home assessment to start the process.
3. Check if you can get mobility equipment or home adaptations from your local council
Local councils can also provide smaller home adaptations and mobility equipment (usually for costs under £1,000) without a grant, often for free or at low cost.
This might include:
- walking aids
- wheelchairs
- raised toilet seats or electrical sockets
- grab rails and safety equipment
Like the Disabled Facilities Grant, you’ll need to start with a home assessment, but often the process is quicker.
4. Get help with travel costs
Travel should not be a barrier to independence. There is disability support for veterans to help reduce or remove travel costs.
Blue Badge Scheme
You may qualify automatically if you:
- receive the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- have an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme award (Tariffs 1–8)
- have a permanent disability that makes walking very difficult
Veterans Railcard
The railcard:
- costs £35 per year
- saves one‑third on rail travel across Great Britain
Disabled person’s
bus pass
Apply through your local council for free or discounted bus travel in your area.
Veterans Oyster Photocard (London)
Free or discounted travel on London public transport if you:
- served in the UK Armed Forces and live in a London borough, and
- receive ongoing War Pensions or Armed Forces Compensation payments
Some veterans may also qualify for a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass, offering wider free travel across London.
5. Explore organisations that can help veterans looking for disability support
You don’t have to navigate disability support alone. These organisations offer trusted, specialist help for veterans and their families.
MoD Veterans Services
MoD Veterans Services can provide one-to-one support to disabled veterans. This support can be provided by phone, email, video call or in person. They can provide:
- advice on disability benefits and help with applications
- help with armed forces pension entitlements
- advice on compensation claims for injury or illness caused by armed forces service
- referrals to specialist services for issues around health, employment, housing and finance
Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion can help you:
- understand disability benefits
- make claims
- challenge decisions and appeals
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides free, confidential, independent advice.
They can help with:
- disability benefits
- housing
- debt
- general support
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
Blesma supports limbless veterans with:
- financial and emotional support
- advice on prosthetics
- grants to support mobility and independence
SSAFA – the Armed Forces Charity
SSAFA can help veterans with:
- financial assistance
- mobility costs
- household equipment and adaptations
Naval Children’s Charity
Supports children and young people (up to 25) with a parent who has served in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines.
They can provide grants where:
- a child is disabled, or
- a parent or carer is disabled
Care & Repair Cymru (Wales)
Care & Repair Cymru helps older and disabled people in Wales live safely and independently at home. They offer practical support with:
- home adaptations and repairs
- safety improvements (such as preventing falls)
- advice on housing, grants and entitlements
- help coordinating work through trusted contractors
Importantly, Care & Repair Cymru receives funding from the Welsh Government and The National Lottery, which means some of their services are free or low-cost, depending on your circumstances.
The can also guide you through options like Disabled Facilities Grants and other support available in your area.
Need more options?
The GOV.UK veteran support directory allows you to search and filter organisations in one place. It’s a helpful tool for finding services that fit your situation.
You don’t have to manage alone
Disability support for veterans exists because your service matters – and so does your quality of life.
Whether you need practical adaptations, financial support or expert advice, help is available to support your independence, comfort and wellbeing.
Steps you can take today:
Complete a full benefits check.
Check if you qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant.
Contact your council about mobility equipment.
Apply for travel support you’re entitled to.
Find organisations that can help.
Support is there, and it’s built with veterans in mind.