Financial support
for veterans and their families
If you’re a veteran of the UK armed forces, you’ve already given more than most ever will. But you may be missing out on some of the financial support available to veterans and families that can help you stay secure and manage costs.
Whether you left service last month or many years ago, now is the perfect time to check what help is available and make sure nothing is being left on the table.
Here’s a guide on what you need to know.
Time to read:
Start with a benefits check
Life can change fast, and so can your entitlement to benefits.
Many veterans miss out simply because they don’t realise they qualify.
Take a few minutes to check what benefits and financial support you can receive.
A full benefits check can make a huge difference, especially if you haven’t explored your options for a while.
Could a Budgeting Loan help?
If you’ve been receiving certain income-related benefits for at least 6 months, you may qualify for a Budgeting Loan — an interest-free way to help pay for essential costs such as furniture, clothing, travel or household repairs.
You may be eligible if you’ve been on one of these benefits for the past 6 months:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
These loans are repayable, but there’s no interest, making them much more manageable than commercial credit.
In Northern Ireland? There’s a different way to apply for a Budgeting Loan in Northern Ireland.
Support with energy costs
With rising energy bills affecting people nationwide, help is available if you’re struggling with energy debt.
British Gas Energy Trust (England, Scotland and Wales)
This independent charitable trust can provide grants to clear energy debt, even if you’re not a British Gas customer.
Better Off Calculator
The ‘Better Off Calculator’ is a tool to help you better understand your income and outgoings, and to provide access to any support you may be entitled to.
Local advice centres
The trust funds local advice centres that offer free, impartial advice on energy and money. They can also help with grant applications.
If you live in Northern Ireland
The Consumer Council can provide advice and support on your energy costs.
Free, confidential debt advice
No one should face financial worries alone. Several organisations offer free, expert and confidential advice.
MoneyHelper
A government-backed service offering practical tools and calculators to help you budget, save and reduce debt.
Telephone: 0800 138 7777
Online: MoneyHelper – Get in touch
StepChange Debt Charity
Provides tailored debt advice and helps you build a personalised budget.
Telephone: 0800 138 1111
Online: StepChange – Get debt advice
Citizens Advice
Offers face‑to‑face support — ideal if you prefer speaking to someone local.
You can search for:
Organisations that can advise veterans on their financial support options
Several charities go the extra mile to support the armed forces community financially, practically and emotionally. Here are some.
The Royal British Legion
Offers comprehensive benefits and money advice, especially for veterans with unmanageable debt.
Telephone: 0808 802 8080
Forces MoneyPlan
Forces MoneyPlan offers veterans a free consultation with a fully qualified and regulated financial adviser.
Telephone: 0207 397 1168
Online: Forces MoneyPlan
SSAFA – the Armed Forces Charity
Provides financial help for mobility needs, household goods and essential living costs.
Telephone: 0800 260 6767
Poppyscotland (Scotland)
Supports veterans with grants for home repairs, clothing, furniture, white goods and more.
Telephone: 0131 550 1557
TaxAid
TaxAid supports people who need help understanding their tax, untangling the tax problems that threaten their financial stability.
Telephone: 0435 120 3779
Online: TaxAid – Help with tax
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.
Your service matters – so does your wellbeing
You’ve served your country. These services exist to make life a little easier, but they can only help if you apply.
Even if you think you won’t qualify or you’ve ‘managed so far’, it’s worth checking again. A quick call or online check could open the door to financial support, debt relief or benefits you didn’t know existed.
Don’t miss out on support that’s there for you.