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Support for Families

Spouses, partners, children and bereaved families have their own routes to work, education, healthcare and welfare support under the Covenant.

6 rights UK law & policy
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1

War Widows and Widowers pension

If your spouse or civil partner died as a result of military service, you may be entitled to a War Widow/Widower's Pension, death-in-service payments and AFPS survivor benefits depending on circumstances.

Legal / official reference: War Pensions Scheme | AFPS survivor benefits
What to do: Contact Veterans UK on 0808 191 4218. SSAFA can provide free welfare support.
2

Bereavement counselling & family support

RBL, SSAFA and charities such as Scotty's Little Soldiers support bereaved families, including children who have lost a parent connected with service.

Legal / official reference: Royal British Legion | Scotty's Little Soldiers | SSAFA
What to do: Call RBL on 0808 802 8080. Scotty's Little Soldiers: www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk
3

Service children & Service Pupil Premium

Schools in England can receive Service Pupil Premium for eligible service children to support mobility, deployment stress and transitions. Covenant expectations encourage flexible admissions and pastoral care.

Legal / official reference: DfE Service Pupil Premium | Armed Forces Covenant
What to do: Tell the school your child is a service child and ask how the premium and pastoral support are used.
4

Forces Families Jobs

Connects partners of serving and veteran personnel with employers who understand military life and mobility.

Legal / official reference: Forces Families Jobs
What to do: Register at www.forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk — free for families.
5

Family mental health & Op COURAGE

In many areas, families can access veteran-aware mental health support alongside the veteran, including through Op COURAGE pathways and charity partners.

Legal / official reference: NHS Op COURAGE family offer (local variation)
What to do: Ask Op COURAGE or your GP about family support options in your area.
6

Childcare costs & working partners

Partners may claim childcare support through Universal Credit, Tax-Free Childcare or local schemes — military mobility can affect entitlement windows, so get advice early after a move.

Legal / official reference: GOV.UK childcare support | UC childcare element
What to do: Use the GOV.UK childcare calculator and speak to Citizens Advice after any relocation.

Need Help Now?

Free helplines. Available now.

Veterans Gateway
One stop for all veteran support — housing, health, employment, finance
0808 802 1212
24/7 free
GOV.UK veteran support
Op COURAGE
NHS mental health service for veterans
NHS 111 (ask for veteran pathway)
Self-refer, no GP needed
www.nhs.uk/opcourage
Combat Stress
Specialist PTSD treatment for veterans
0800 138 1619
24/7 free
www.combatstress.org.uk
Veterans UK
MOD pensions and compensation
0808 191 4218
Mon–Fri free
www.gov.uk/veterans-uk

View all 12 helplines