Veterans Welfare Service

Welfare support for Veterans, Service Leavers and the Armed Forces Community.

Who we are

Veterans Services provides information, guidance and welfare support on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Our services are available to members of the Armed Forces community, specifically:

  • Regular and Reserve Service Leavers (up to 2 years prior to discharge)

  • Regular and Reserve Veterans

  • Immediate families of Service Leavers and Veterans

  • Bereaved

We operate a national network of Case Managers across the UK and Northern Ireland and provide tailored, holistic support to those who need it.

Who we are and what we do

Veterans Services brings together previous Ministry of Defence welfare support into one integrated service and is an amalgamation of:

  • Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) provides one-to-one support to veterans, their families and dependants

  • Defence Transition Services (DTS). Help for service leavers and their families who face challenges as they leave the military and adjust to civilian life.

  • Integrated Personal Commissioning for Veterans (IPC4V) – for those leaving service with serious illness or injury attributable to service.

  • Respite support to UDR Bereaved Family Groups and Disabled Soldiers Groups. Welfare, specialist healthcare and advocacy support available to veterans and their families in Northern Ireland.

Veterans Services work closely with:

How we work together

Our approach focuses on holistic welfare case management. We deliver this in line with MOD Armed Forces veterans’ policies and VALOUR - a £50 million UK Government initiative led by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. VALOUR aims to strengthen veterans’ support across the UK by improving coordination between statutory services, local authorities and the third sector.

Veterans Services plays a key role by providing direct case management, ensuring that individuals and families receive comprehensive, joined-up support tailored to their needs.

Who should be referred

You should consider a referral to Veterans Services for:

  • The most vulnerable Service Leavers, Veterans and their families who are likely to, or are currently facing challenges in transitioning to, or living within civilian life and require welfare-related support.

  • Any Service Leaver, Veteran or family member requiring support to meet basic needs and improve their quality of life, such as those facing:

  • Financial hardship

  • Unemployment

  • Illness or disability

  • Housing insecurity

  • Other significant challenges

When to refer

As soon as a potential need is identified—either by the individual themselves or by friends, family, third sector organisations or other professionals who believe they would benefit from support.

What help you can get

If you or a family member is experiencing challenges during your transition from the Armed Forces or at any point after leaving, we may be able to assist you in accessing support services locally, regionally or nationally, such as:

  • Mental health and wellbeing

  • Physical health and rehabilitation

  • Drug and alcohol misuse

  • Training, education and employment

  • Housing, accommodation and relocation

  • Finance, debt and benefits

  • Family or relationship breakdown

  • Access to local, regional and national supporting agencies

We also provide specific assistance with:

How we work

We will:

  • Assess your needs

  • Provide information and guidance

  • Refer to specialist support where appropriate

  • Offer casework support where needed

You can access support by phone, email, video call or in person, depending on your preference and case manager availability.

Working with Defence Recovery Capability

Our staff also work alongside Personnel Recovery Units and Centres to support wounded, injured and sick personnel on the recovery pathway.

How to contact us for assistance

Option 1 - Referral Forms

  • In Service referrals for those who are still a serving member of the Armed Forces and anticipating discharge (up to two years prior):

In Service Referral Form

  • Post Service referrals. Requests for support post service can be submitted directly by the individual or, alternatively, by someone acting on their behalf—such as a family member, friend, colleague, third-sector organisation, another government department, or a local authority:

Self Referral Form

Option 2 – Phone and Email

Telephone (Mon-Fri 8am – 4pm)

Mainland UK:  0808 1914 218 (select option 6 for Veterans Services)

Northern Ireland: 028 90 420 145

Overseas: +44 1253 866 043 (select option 6 for Veterans Services)

Email:

Mainland UK & Overseas: DBSAFVS-VSTriage-Team-National@mod.gov.uk 

Northern Ireland: dbsafvs-vws-ni@mod.gov.uk

Other Useful Information

JSP 100 – Defence Holistic Transition Policy

Part 1: Directive (PDF, 999 KB, 50 pages)

Part 2: Guidance (PDF, 1.59 MB, 58 pages)

Office for Veterans’ Affairs

Leading the UK government’s efforts to ensure that veterans receive the respect, support, and recognition they deserve and are owed for their service.

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