A home in civilian society - a guide for the armed forces community
Guidance on the housing options and services available to serving personnel and veterans, and their families who live or intend to live in England
Overview
The Armed Forces Covenant is the nation’s pledge that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services; and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases.
In practice the Covenant focuses on helping members of the armed forces community to have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen, this includes having a home. A home is not only a source of health and wellbeing but having a secure place to live following service is one of the key elements of a successful transition to a fulfilling civilian life. This importance is reinforced by the inclusion of “Making a home in civilian society” as one of the six key themes in the OVA’s 2018 “Strategy for our Veterans” (PDF, 3.7 MB)
This guide sets out the housing options and support available to veterans, service leaver and service personnel, and their families who live in England or are intending to live in England. It provides short descriptions of each option or service, and provides links to more detailed sources of information.
The guide can also be used by providers of housing and homelessness support services to determine the most appropriate course of action for those being supported.
Veterans
A veteran is defined as anyone who has served for at least one day in His Majesty’s Armed Forces (Regular or Reserves); or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.
Veterans and their families that live or are planning to live in other parts of the UK can access relevant information and support using the links below:
Wales - Veteran support or Housing pathway
Scotland - Veteran support or Housing guide
Northern Ireland - Veteran support or Housing Information or Housing Executive
Non-UK veterans
If you are a non-UK veteran and have an indefinite leave to remain in the UK please follow the links below.
If you do not have indefinite leave to remain do not follow the links but instead you should contact Veterans’ Gateway. The 24hr support team can be reached in one of the following ways:
Telephone - 0808 802 1212 (this is free from the UK)
Text - 81212
Current circumstances
- If you are using this guide for yourself or your family - please click on the link below that best describes your current circumstances
- If you are providing housing or homelessness support or services to an individual or a family - please click on the link that best describes the current circumstance of those you are supporting
I am a veteran: I am homeless or I am at risk of becoming homeless
You may be legally homeless if:
- you’ve no legal right to live in accommodation anywhere in the world
- you cannot get into your home, for example your landlord has locked you out
- it’s not reasonable to stay in your home, for example you’re at risk of violence or abuse
- you’re forced to live apart from your family or people you normally live with because there’s no suitable accommodation for you
- you’re living in very poor conditions such as overcrowding
I am a veteran: I am struggling to pay my rent or mortgage
I am a veteran: I am seeking general housing advice
Find out what housing options and general advice are available to veterans and their families.
I am serving personnel: I am not seeking or due to leave
I am serving personnel: I am seeking or due to leave
Last updated 18 August 2023 + show all updates
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Added additional support links in the Veterans section under Northern Ireland.
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First published.