What to do when a veteran needs financial help?
There are various types of financial support available for veterans in the UK, including grants that you might be able to claim based on your financial situation.
Veterans should seek financial help from a military charity like ourselves who have the resources available to provide the necessary support. Visit our Get Help page for more information on how you can use our services.
Where can veterans get financial help?
Emergency financial help for veterans
If you are a veteran who needs emergency financial help, you can apply for a Crisis Grant, offered by the Royal British Legion.
This grant doesn’t provide cash, however it does help you cover the cost of any unexpected expenses such as food – which comes in the form of vouchers, funds for accommodation when someone is street homeless, essentials such as clothing and also short notice travel costs.
We also offer cost of living support, which can help you with some of these costs, including food and heating your home.
Financial help for disabled veterans
If while serving in the Armed Forces you sustained an injury or illness, or you had an existing condition that was made worse, then you can claim for the Armed Forces Compensation.
The Scheme is designed to provide compensation for illness, injury or death that is caused because of service.
Financial help for unemployed veterans
There are multiple benefits available to veterans who are unable to work due to an illness, injury or disability. Those that need financial help may be able to claim one of the following
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is available to everyone, not just veterans, and it helps with everyday living costs. You don’t have to be out of work to claim Universal Credit; you may also be eligible if you’re on a low income.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Like Universal Credit, ESA is also available to everyone, however it is specifically for if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you work.
Severe Disability Premium
To qualify for Severe Disability Premium, you must already be receiving the disability premium or income-related ESA, as well as one of the following
- Standard or enhanced daily living part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Middle or higher rate care part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment.
This benefit is an additional payment, which helps with any extra costs that result from an individual’s disability.
What not to do if you’re struggling financially
If you are a veteran in need of financial help, one of the biggest pieces of advice is to not ignore bills or debt collectors. Although this can seem like a tempting option at the time, it is likely to make your situation worse and could even lead to legal issues.
As part of our Recovery College, we offer financial wellbeing courses to help you get back on track with managing your finances.
There are two courses available, and the topics covered range from the basics such as tracking your spending, all the way to more in-depth advice like planning for your future.
You can find out more about our courses in the Recovery College section of our website.
How can Help for Heroes help?
We offer advice and financial support for veterans in many forms, including grants, as well as other resources to help you better manage your finances.
It’s never too late to ask for help. If you want to discover more about our services and other ways we can support you, visit our Get Help page.
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