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Money, Debt & Practical Support

Practical help with debt, budgeting, discounts and day-to-day money pressures — including when compensation or pensions make benefits forms confusing.

6 rights UK law & policy
Need help now?
1

Free debt advice

Independent debt advice is free. Military charities and mainstream advisers (StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice) understand benefit and compensation interactions better when you declare veteran status.

Legal / official reference: MoneyHelper | StepChange | National Debtline | RBL / SSAFA welfare
What to do: Call National Debtline 0808 808 4000 or StepChange 0800 138 1111. Also ask RBL/SSAFA if grants can ease short-term pressure.
2

Royal British Legion & SSAFA welfare grants

Means-tested welfare grants can help with essentials, white goods, crisis costs and specialist needs when statutory support is not enough.

Legal / official reference: Royal British Legion | SSAFA
What to do: Call RBL 0808 802 8080 or SSAFA 0800 731 4880 for a welfare assessment.
3

Defence Discount Service & veteran discounts

Many retailers, travel firms and attractions offer discounts to veterans with recognised ID or Defence Discount Service membership.

Legal / official reference: Defence Discount Service | Veterans Railcard | local offers
What to do: Register for Defence Discount Service and keep your veteran ID/badge available.
4

Help with energy & household bills

Veterans on low income or disability benefits may qualify for Warm Home Discount (scheme rules), council hardship funds, or charity fuel grants.

Legal / official reference: Warm Home Discount | local welfare assistance
What to do: Check GOV.UK Warm Home Discount and contact your energy supplier's vulnerability team; declare disability/veteran status.
5

Insurance & specialist financial advice

Some insurers and advisers specialise in veterans, injuries and transition. Be cautious of paid 'claims companies' for AFCS — free help exists.

Legal / official reference: Veterans UK | free charity claims support
What to do: Use SSAFA/RBL for free compensation claim help before paying a claims firm.
6

Banking & credit history after service

Frequent moves can disrupt credit files. Speak to banks about armed forces / veteran support teams if address history causes problems.

Legal / official reference: UK Finance armed forces guidance | individual banks
What to do: Ask your bank for their armed forces or vulnerable customer team; raise a credit file note if needed.

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