I am a veteran: I am struggling to pay my rent or mortgage
Housing options, advice and support available for veterans who have concerns about paying their rent or mortgage
Financial support and guidance
If you are struggling to pay the rent or mortgage on your current home, please contact the Veterans’ Gateway who may be able to refer you on to an organisation that could provide guidance or support.
Or via their 24hr support team:
Telephone - 0808 802 1212 (this is free from the UK)
Text - 81212
Ministry of Defence services
The Ministry of Defence runs a helpline service to help the armed forces community access a range of support and guidance including on financial matters. This support is provided by the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) and Defence Transition Services (DTS).
- VWS provides advice and support to those that have been a veteran for more than two years, require transition support with medical discharge, have an enduring welfare need or need help to access benefits or compensation schemes
- DTS provides information and support for those individuals and their families who have been veterans for less than two years and are most likely to face challenges as they adjust to civilian life
The helpline will direct you to the appropriate service and support can be accessed using one of the following:
Freephone (UK only): 0808 1914 2 18
Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043
Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Normal service is 8.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday. When the helpline is closed, callers can be diverted to the Samaritans 24-hour helpline.
Please use this link to fill in a short form to refer yourself for support from VWS or DTS
Charities
If you would rather speak to a charity, the following charities are amongst those that also provide financial support and guidance to veterans:
Support with housing costs
There are a number of government funded schemes from which you might be able to get financial support to meet your housing costs. These schemes are available to all eligible citizens. Please click on the links below to see if you are eligible for support.
Council tax reduction
If you’re on a low income or certain benefits you can check if you’re eligible to reduce your Council Tax.
Help paying rent (Discretionary Housing Payments)
If you need support with rent or housing costs you can check if you’re eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment from your local council.
Housing cost help with Universal Credit
If you’re eligible for Universal Credit you can get help paying for housing (for example, rent and mortgage interest). Find out more about housing costs and Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
If you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing you can check if you’re eligible for Housing Benefit for help to pay your rent.
Alternative Housing Options
If you believe that the rent on your current home will prove to be unaffordable going forward you will need to find an alternative and more affordable home.
Please click this link that will take you to general information about housing options for veterans