Priority for social housing
Local authorities in England must give 'reasonable preference' to former members of the armed forces, especially those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This was strengthened by the Veterans Act 2022 — local authorities must now give additional preference to seriously injured veterans.
Legal reference: Housing Act 1996 s.167 | Veterans Act 2022
Contact your local authority housing department and declare your veteran status. Request a copy of their veteran housing policy.
Forces Help to Buy
Serving personnel can borrow up to 50% of their annual salary (max £25,000) interest-free to buy their first home or move to a larger property. Ask your unit welfare officer for details.
Legal reference: MOD Forces Help to Buy scheme
Apply through the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system or contact your unit welfare officer.
Veteran homelessness support
No veteran should sleep rough. SPACES (Single Persons Accommodation Centre for the Ex-Services) and No Letting Go work alongside SSAFA and the Royal British Legion to find housing for homeless veterans quickly.
Legal reference: Veterans Gateway | SPACES | SSAFA
Call the Veterans Gateway on 0808 802 1212 (free, 24/7) for immediate housing support.
Op FORTITUDE
A dedicated government programme to reduce veteran rough sleeping, providing specialist housing support workers in areas with high veteran homelessness.
Legal reference: DLUHC Op FORTITUDE programme
Contact your local authority or Veterans Gateway to access Op FORTITUDE support.