Important update on the Veterans Mobility Fund

Over the past year, we have seen an incredible response to the Veterans’ Mobility Fund, with a significant number of applications from veterans seeking support to improve their mobility, independence and quality of life. With over 140 grants approved and over £900,000 in funding awarded, we are truly grateful for the interest and engagement from our veteran community and supporters, which highlights the vital role this fund plays in enhancing lives.

We’re pausing accepting any new applications temporarily, to allow us to review the application experience. Now that the Fund has been open for a year, we have a lot of valuable data to help understand the experiences of veterans accessing these grants. It’s important we reflect, learn and refine throughout the life of this Fund, to ensure it remains a positive and supportive experience. Our priority remains supporting as many veterans as possible in a fair and effective way, and we appreciate your patience as we work through this process over the coming months.

In the meantime, we still want to hear from those who are interested in applying in the future. If you would like to be notified when the Fund reopens, please register your interest by emailing VeteransMobilityFund@helpforheroes.org.uk. We will keep you updated and ensure you are among the first to know when applications resume.

We remain committed to helping veterans regain their mobility and independence, and we are incredibly proud of the positive impact this fund has had so far. We thank all applicants, supporters, and stakeholders for your continued trust and patience as we work to provide life-changing support to those who have served.

We look forward to reopening applications soonest and continuing our mission to support veterans in leading active, independent lives.

If you are in immediate need of support, please contact us using our online form, or call 0300 303 9888

If you are a Blesma member please contact your Blesma Support Officer or use the details below.

https://www.blesma.org/get-sup... call 020 8590 1124

What is the Veterans’ Mobility Fund? 

The Veterans’ Mobility Fund (VMF) is administered by Help for Heroes with the support and partnership of Blesma and is funded by the government through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT).

The fund is designed to support veterans with physical disabilities resulting from illness or injury sustained during service. It does this by providing life-changing grants or equipment not usually available on the NHS.   

Who is eligible for the Veterans’ Mobility Fund?

The fund is available to veterans who have a service-attributable condition - which is linked to the equipment required - or veterans who receive or are applying for a War Pension or appropriate Armed Forces Compensation.

What equipment does the VMF include?

The VMF includes equipment which is not provided through the NHS, such as specialist wheelchairs and mobility scooters. It can also include orthotics, like splints and braces.

In some cases, the VMF will also consider applications for car adaptations. To be considered for this, you will need to provide a complete report of assessment and recommendations, which have been carried out by a suitably qualified practitioner. Visit the driving mobility website for more information on this.

What cannot be funded through the VMF?

Some things that can’t be funded by the VMF include 

  • Car leases
  • Car loans
  • Home adaptations, including structural house adaptations.

The VMF is also unable to fund medical or surgical procedures, ongoing clinical treatment and hot tubs, saunas or hydro pools.

Whilst the above may not be funded through the VMF, please email our team to discuss alternate ways we may be able to support.

Being able to access the previous fund meant I was able to receive a specialist leg brace - something I couldn’t afford on my own – which prevented me from going through a leg amputation. That brace, and the efforts of Help for Heroes, has enabled me to walk again.”
Paul Colling

Veteran

Read Paul's story

Applying for the VMF

How long do applications take?

Your application will be acknowledged within 10 working days, however, please note that this may be longer if you have completed a postal application. You can expect to hear a decision on your application within 40 days.

How often can you apply?

You can apply to the VMF as many times as you want for mobility-related injuries. The panel will review each case individually.

If your need changes, for example if you begin to clinically deteriorate, you can submit a new application. 

Appealing the outcome of your application

If you are unhappy and wish to appeal the outcome of your application, you can do so by emailing our team - veteransmobilityfund@helpforheroes.org.uk. 

Alternatively, if you wish to make a complaint, then please visit our complaints page.

How do I apply?  

Applications are currently paused. Please check back for further updates, or you can register your interest by emailing VeteransMobilityFund@helpforheroes.org.uk. 

Things to know before you apply

  • Veterans' Mobility Fund FAQs

    • To obtain a copy of your War Pension or AFCS award document please contact Veterans UK by calling 0808 191 4 218.

      Once you have been provided with a copy of your document, you can email this to veteransmobilityfund@helpforheroes.org.uk to support your stage one application.

      If you have any questions regarding the process, please call our team on 03003039888.

    • Yes, but there may be a delay in receiving the equipment if approved, as we will need to obtain an agreement from the supplier. 

    • We ask that you approach NHS wheelchair services to see if you are eligible for an NHS Personal Wheelchair Budget. If approved, this budget can be used to fund the cost of the equipment you want, along with the VMF contribution.  

      Please see the NHS Personal Wheelchair Budget website for more information and for FAQs. 

    • Yes – you MUST insure any property received via the VMF. The VMF is unable to replace / repair uninsured equipment that is damaged or stolen. Some equipment may be covered under your current house insurance (please speak directly to your insurers to discuss). There are also specialist insurers for mobility and/or medical equipment. Unfortunately, we are unable to recommend insurers. 

    • Yes, please download the latest list. 

      download list

    • Guidance for safety charging any electrical mobility aids can be found via your local fire and rescue service. 

    • The fund is open for five years – although we will be campaigning for this to be continued.   

    • Yes – if there is a clinical need you can make applications for multiple service-attributable health conditions.   

    • To find out what support we may be able to offer you, please get in touch or call 0300 303 9888.  

    • We are happy for you to purchase extended warranty and guarantees.

    • First, you must contact veteransmobilityfund@helpforheroes.org.uk if you no longer require your equipment. You are not permitted to gift or sell the equipment.

    • In the first instance, your GP can provide support. However, you may be working with other professionals like an Occupational Therapist, physio or another specialist who can help. 

      If you are unable to contact your GP and have no other clinicians working with you, Help for Heroes’ Veterans Clinical Services may be able to help. Please get in touch with our team for more information.

    • It is the applicant's responsibility to service and maintain the equipment. 

    • The equipment supplier will be able to show you how the equipment works to enable you to use this safely.

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