Research and analysis

Services and support, responses from family members of UK armed forces veterans: Veterans’ Survey 2022, UK

Published 17 June 2025

1. Summary

Unweighted estimates of family member responses from the Veterans’ Survey 2022, UK. Focuses on qualitative analysis of what services and support family members felt would be helpful to them but was lacking.

2. Main points  

The Veterans’ Family Survey asked: “Can you tell us what service and support would be helpful for you as a veterans’ family member but is currently lacking?”. Among those that gave responses, around 9 in 10 made references to enhanced support in a broad range of areas.

The 3 most-cited themes were:

• mental and general healthcare
• finances and pensions
• transition from military to civilian life

Difficulties of some form in accessing or understanding services or support available (now or in the past) were referenced by just over a quarter of responses. These responses included requests for easily accessible and uncomplicated processes to access support from charities, government or other services.  

More accessible information on support services and more consideration of the impact armed forces life has on the finances, employment opportunities and wellbeing of family members were all suggested by veteran family members as areas for service improvement.

Responses suggested strategies to better support veterans and their families:

• veterans’ ID cards with enhanced benefits and discounts
• local veteran support services offering community or peer support
• family-specific training on how to manage veterans’ mental health
• additional financial support through increases in the availability of UK armed forces pensions

This article contains themes that some may find distressing.

3. About the Veterans’ Survey 2022 

The Veterans’ Survey 2022 was the first survey of its kind in the UK and was a collaboration between the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the devolved administrations.

Alongside the Veterans’ Survey, a smaller Veterans’ Family Survey was made available for immediate family members of UK veterans who resided in the UK and were aged 18 years or over. Family members could complete the survey if their veteran family member was living or deceased, and the survey was open to any immediate family member including stepparents and adult stepchildren. The survey was conducted through a voluntary self-select sample which relied on advertising and promotion primarily by veterans’ charities and organisations.

In total, 2,390 people responded to the Family Survey and response rates varied by question asked. This represents a small proportion of family members that would have been eligible to respond to the survey. These data are presented as unweighted data only.

Univariate and multivariate analysis of responses to questions in the family element of the Veterans’ Survey 2022, that are not included in this article, are available in our associated dataset. These data can be used to understand some of the responses to questions that relate to life satisfaction and well-being or sources of information about veteran issues, services or benefits by respondent relationship to a veteran, by those that cared for a veteran at the time of the survey and by those that said they were a surviving partner of a veteran.

More information on the survey design and sampling approach can be found in our Veterans’ Survey methodology.

Univariate quantitative analysis is intended to explain the coverage of the respondents that answered the survey, rather than to estimate the size or shape of the veteran family population.

4. Veterans’ Family Survey respondents

Of survey respondents, nearly one-third (32.9%) were the husband or wife of a veteran, almost a quarter (23.3%) were the son or daughter of a veteran, just under a fifth (17.8%) were the father or mother of a veteran and nearly a tenth (9.2%) were the brother or sister of a veteran. Various other family relationships were given by the remaining respondents and can be found in our accompanying dataset.

Nearly a fifth of respondents (17.3%) were the surviving partner of a veteran. Those who said they were a surviving partner were asked: “Did that someone die whilst in service?” and 9.8% said their partner had died whilst in service.

The majority of respondents (66.2%) said their veteran family member had left the UK armed forces 20 years or more ago. Nearly 1 in 7 (16.1%) said their veteran family member left 10 to 19 years ago, 8.5% said their family member left 5 to 9 years ago and 9.2% said their family member left less than 5 years ago.  

Respondents were asked: “Do you look after or give any help or support to your veteran family member because they have long-term physical or mental health conditions or illnesses, or problems relating to old age?”. Just over 4 in 5 of respondents (81.3%) said they did not look after or give help or support to their veteran family member, 9.0% provided support for 1 to 9 hours a week, 5.1% for 10 to 49 hours a week and 4.6% provided support for 50 hours or more a week.

Respondents were asked about where they accessed information about veteran-related issues, services or benefits. The three most cited sources were “Word of mouth from friends or family” (24.8%), “Social media (for example, Facebook, Twitter etc.)” (24.4%) and “Veteran charities” (20.0%).

5. Qualitative findings from the Veterans’ Family Survey  

The Veterans’ Family Survey asked: “Can you tell us what service and support would be helpful for you as a veterans’ family member but is currently lacking?”.

This question allowed for free text responses. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Responses were classified into codes or multiple codes where applicable and grouped into high-level themes. Content analysis of responses is unweighted. Our approach to qualitative analysis is outlined in our Preparedness to leave the UK armed forces, Veterans’ Survey 2022 publication. 

Not all respondents answered this question, and some responses simply stated that they did not know what would have been helpful but was lacking. Responses from those that gave an answer only were analysed. It is important to note the question only asked respondents what was lacking so they were unable to provide responses about what was working well. A total of 705 free-text responses were analysed, representing around 30% of respondents. We discuss the themes identified in these responses from family members of veterans. Perceptions of what was lacking will be based on a respondent’s awareness of available services and support which may not be an accurate reflection of the support available at the time of the survey. Support services for veterans are continuously evolving.

It is important to note that many responses referenced support or services that would have been helpful for them in the past as well as what would help them now in the present. The veteran within the family may have transitioned into civilian life at any period from many decades ago until February 2023 when the survey closed and almost two thirds of respondents said their veteran family member left the armed forces 20 years or more ago. This section aims to portray the views of family members and to reflect their words as closely as possible. Some quotes have been edited for language and grammar to improve accessibility, without changing the content or meaning. Any references to specific groups or organisations have been anonymised as the analysis focuses on experience of services in general and not of service providers. Where contextual information about the respondent’s relationship to the veteran was available, this was shared alongside the quote and is consistent with the question response options on the survey. Additional information can be found in Data sources and quality.

6. Services and support needed

Around 1 in 10 responses suggested they felt no support or service would have been helpful but was lacking at the time of the survey. Nearly 9 in 10 responses referenced some kind of help or support which they believed were lacking in some way. The following services were perceived to be lacking in some way by veterans’ family members who said support would be helpful in these key areas:

• transition services from armed forces to civilian life
• health services
• disability and care support
• housing
• finances and pensions
• community networks and local support 
• awareness and improvements in the application of the Armed Forces Covenant
• a “one-stop shop” and easily accessible information
• enhanced Veterans’ ID cards and benefits

Responses referred to a need for support for both family members and for their veteran. These were two separate branches of support, which were often intertwined. A lack of support for the veteran was a prominent cause of concern for family members, as the responsibility of supporting the veteran through the transition to civilian life placed additional strain on the family.

“There was information given to my husband about leaving the army, but nothing given to family about how to support the transition. I never felt that family really mattered to the army, just check the divorce rate to confirm.”

[Husband or wife, caring support, 50 or more hours a week]

“It would have been great to have help transitioning into civvy street for all the family, including partners and offspring, before ‘leaving’ the army because even as a child of parents who both served, and my brother and grandparent, nephew too, the military never leaves you.”

There was a need for both immediate and long-term support for family members, with nearly one fifth of responses mentioning that adult children, parents, spouses or partners, widows or widowers, siblings or grandchildren required support.

“Support for all members of the service personnel for life. Long term effects of active military service on children are not considered. Children don’t ask to join the military they are born into, and the life may affect their mental and physical wellbeing later in life.”

[Husband or wife, caring support, 10 to 19 hours a week]

“Better access to or awareness of physical groups or online communities that support siblings of veterans/current military personnel. Most seem to focus on parents and partners, there seems to be little to no help or support for siblings.”

About 1 in 10 responses stated that no help was needed at present, no services had been used, or that the services provided were satisfactory.

“Can’t think of anything to be honest.”

[Brother or sister (including half brother or sister)]

“I have been fortunate enough not to need or seek support.”

[Husband or wife]

“I think the services available are already pretty good.”

[Brother or sister (including half brother or sister)]

“I am happy with support.”

[Husband or wife]

It is important to note that policies and support services directed at helping veterans are constantly evolving. The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) provides information on current support for veterans and their families, including help with finance, healthcare, employment, housing, social care and other services.

6.1 Easily accessible information

The most prevalent theme within the responses related to a need for easily accessible services and simplified routes to access (referenced by just over a quarter of responses). These responses included requests for easily accessible and uncomplicated processes to access support from charities, government or other services and was also often intertwined within some of the other themes identified throughout this analysis.

Nearly a quarter of responses mentioned the need for more easily accessible information. This included requests for a “one-stop shop”, a central information point covering both government and charity services, broken down by geography and topic area, and proactively shared with veterans and their family members.

“Key access is still not coherent, clear or accessible.”

[Stepchild]

“Single effective signposting service for the major links and charities. [Service provider] does not meet the requirement.”

[Husband or wife, surviving partner]

“Single POC (regionally) for all of these fantastic programmes that everyone can be sign-posted to, to find out what their scope is and how to access them.”

[Stepfather or stepmother, caring support, 1 to 9 hours a week]

“Help under one umbrella organisation rather than several.”

[Husband or wife, caring support, 10 to 19 hours a week, surviving partner]

“It is really difficult for a veteran to understand which service covers the area they need help with. Having a one-stop shop for support services broken down into categories would help.”

Respondents’ preferences for accessing information were influenced by their personal health conditions, age and sense of isolation. Suggestions included online sources, by telephone and face-to-face, indicating a variety of communication methods are needed to make information more easily accessible to the veteran community.

“A dedicated helpline to act as a signposting to what help is available.”

“A monthly newsletter detailing what support is available to include on employment, finances and - particularly - on accessing medical and dental treatment. Ideally the newsletter would be tailored to your geographic location and would encompass all support topics in a one-stop-shop type of publication.”

[Husband or wife]

Responses within this theme included mentions of too much duplication and confusion with multiple support services. Responses also mentioned a lack of awareness of sources of information and knowledge of how to access appropriate organisations which limited the help and support available to families. Geographical location was also referred to as something that could reduce access to support for veterans and their families, with families requesting local services to meet their needs.

“There is a plethora of services which seems to dilute the message.”

[Husband or wife]

“It is really difficult to navigate around the range of services available for veterans, when you think you have found a central point – [service provider] you do not always reach the ‘one-stop shop’ service you need and are simply directed to another point of contact.”

“Knowing where to find information/help would be useful. My mother served, my father was killed in action, my son is currently serving. I don’t believe that any of us receive useful, meaningful support.”

6.2 Negative experiences of support services

The vast majority of responses (around 5 in 6) did not specifically refer to a negative experience with support. Around 1 in 6 responses referenced an inadequate support experience with services and were included within this theme. It was noted that support was slow, poorly signposted, had long waiting lists and complicated access procedures, required lengthy assessments and was not “joined-up” or versatile.

Respondents shared their perceptions of some charities that provided support to veterans and their families being stretched, poorly funded and under-resourced. This resulted in delays in service, ad-hoc coverage across the UK and responses said that valued services had been shut down. A small number of responses noted that services had been reduced due to COVID-19. However, respondents also praised the work of charities, referring to them as a “lifeline”, and called for them to be better funded by the government.

“Mental health support for my loved one AND for me, I have been caring for 30 years and have had 2 carers assessments, we have both been dumped…treatment wasn’t there (still isn’t!) for my husband so it was left to me and my children to manage a man that services said was too ill to treat! [Service provider] have been my lifeline but there is only so much a peer support group can do.”

[Husband or wife, caring support, 1 to 9 hours a week]

“Whilst we are finally engaged with [service provider] and have met some dedicated professionals, the service is under-resourced, poorly funded and lacks appropriate expertise to deal with complex issues.”

[Husband or wife, caring support, 50 or more hours a week]

Within the theme of negative experiences of support services, responses referenced feeling let down by both charities and the local and national government. They commented that the support their family unit received was limited or inadequate and an increase in funding and support services were requested. A small number of responses referenced reaching out for help and receiving no response from the government or armed forces regarding the support that was available following the discharge of their veteran. Some family members, including children of veterans who remembered parents transitioning from the UK armed forces, noted that the help available in the past was sparse or non-existent.

“I am a both a partner of a veteran and a carer. [Service provider] are useless and didn’t know what to say when I said I needed therapy. They didn’t know what to do.”

“We all felt our issues were unimportant, including my 2 sons who were only 13 and 14 years old, at the time [name] was medically discharged after 21 years of service, no support was given or advise on where to locate assistance for the whole family unit.”

“Career advice was severely lacking and settlement support…was very let down as a family.”

Responses referenced sometimes struggling to access help because of health conditions or logistical problems. They explained that they found the application process complicated for support services provided by the government and charities, which created additional barriers to accessing support, especially for veterans’ families dealing with disability and mental health conditions.

“Organisations that actually want to help in [location]. All the ones I have been in touch with want you to go 3 hours away from home. PTSD is difficult enough without having to battle to get them into a car and travel 3 hours away.”

“The current system of trying to work through the gazillion charities is tough and unwieldly and under the stress of alcoholism and PTSD, even worse.”

Some responses referenced specific difficulties in accessing services in Northern Ireland, noting that there was very limited support in Northern Ireland for family members and veterans because of a continued terror threat and stigma of being connected to the UK armed forces. This prevented these family members and veterans from seeking or receiving appropriate support for issues such as mental health concerns. It is important to note that respondents lived across the UK, and therefore it is probable that only those who have lived in Northern Ireland would have experienced these circumstances.

“Mental health dealing with PTSD as a result of attending school in Northern Ireland as a child of army personnel.”

“There is no support in Northern Ireland for veterans that served in the armed forces.”

[Son or daughter (including adopted child)]

A small proportion of family members’ responses mentioned that some veterans, such as Gurkhas were unable to access information and support because of a language barrier. Other issues were referenced in relation to the armed forces status of Gurkhas, including access to, and equality of, pensions. The Brigade of Gurkhas is a unique organisation in the British Army. All Gurkhas are recruited from Nepal.

“For elderly and vulnerable Gurkha veterans, due to the language barrier, don’t know about the support.” 

“Gurkhas are unfairly treated on pension those who enlisted before 1997.”

“More information on how to fight injustice and inequalities in pensions and other benefits that British veterans are entitled to, that British Gurkhas are not. More transparency needed across the force.”

7. Transition services from the UK armed forces to civilian life

Transition support for families was described as lacking within around 1 in 5 responses. Included in this theme were comments which related to difficulties families faced in transitioning to civilian life. Family members expressed the need for more information about what to expect for their veteran and the whole family. The transition from the UK armed forces to civilian life was described as the point when families and their veteran felt most “lost”. Responses described the shock of moving from a community setting, with many of their needs provided for by the UK armed forces, to independent civilian living, outside of the UK armed forces community. 

“I was a child growing up through army and travelled with parents. I was 20 when I came to live in civilian life. There is no support for the transition. My mental health suffered. It was the worst move we ever made. I had no experience in civilian life and was not supported or prepared for it. There is no support for children of a forces parent.”

[Caring support, 1 to 9 hours a week]

Within the theme of transition, responses referenced a need for increased and better functioning of support services provided by the government and the armed forces, and more funding for services provided by charities. Spouses or partners said they needed a wide range of settlement support covering housing, career and employment advice, and access to education or training.

“Career advice was severely lacking and settlement support — not sure if that changed but was very let down as a family.”

Family members’ responses recalled the difficulties faced by children of veterans adapting to civilian schools and the lack of help with school enrolment. Responses also referenced a need for an “integration service” to liaise with schools and make them aware that their children were ex-military and to provide children with pastoral support.

“We were given no help at all when my husband left the forces. We couldn’t get a council home, no school for our children.”

“Schools receiving ex-military kids to be aware and provide pastoral support. As a young person going into a civvy school, the behaviour of the other pupils, the bullying and harassment. It was a horrific experience.”

The majority of responses (almost 9 in 10) did not reference employment or training. Although around 1 in 10 responses asked for more support in finding employment, training opportunities, education and career development for veterans and family members on discharge but also continuing longer-term support. This included transferring veterans’ qualifications to equivalent civilian qualifications. Spouses or partners asked for recognition and support to address their loss of National Insurance or pension contributions and education or employment experiences because they were not able to work because of supporting their spouse or partner during service and relocating as part of military life.

“Support for myself to get into work. My previous service of supporting my husband was a negative to gaining employment.”

“Years of following my husband around the world has left me lacking confidence, without career progression and no pension. We are a forgotten part of the service life.”

Within the theme of career transition, responses also mentioned that their veteran family member had not received comprehensive or ongoing employment support. As a result, it was felt that veterans had found it difficult to make use of their learning credits, could not utilise or communicate their transferable skills and had difficulty adapting to the culture in civilian jobs.

“Employment and training which utilises transferable skills.”

[Brother or sister (including half brother or sister)]

“Any ELCAS funds entitled to the Veteran should be paid into their bank account if training goes unused then the onus is on the Veteran to fund their own training.”

7.1 Auto-enrolment and proactive services from transition

Around 1 in 7 responses stated transition to civilian life could be improved via auto-enrolment into the NHS, local councils, housing, support services, schools and other general support networks. Additionally, proactive contact from the UK armed forces and from health professionals and charities was suggested, to improve the awareness and availability of information and support for veterans. Check-ins were also identified as a method to increase a sense of value in veterans and to enhance general wellbeing.

“I think the government service and support should ‘push’ more knowledge to veterans, rather than veterans having to search for information. Maybe something similar to the armed forces Pension Scheme newsletter etc. I think that a lot of veterans and their families are not aware of what help is out there.”

[Husband or wife, caring support, 1 to 9 hours a week]

“General after care when veterans are out. They seem to be forgotten about by the system when they’re discharged from service or sign off.”

“Where to reach for help if they require it in their old age. As JPA [Joint Personnel Administration] insists that you put in your address, there should be mail sent to them.”

8. Health services

8.1 General health services

Almost 1 in 5 responses mentioned general health services which they felt were lacking, including dental services. This impacted both veterans and family members as a lack of appropriate or accessible health care for veterans placed additional care and support responsibilities on family members. Suggestions for improving access to health care services included a dedicated helpline or newsletter.

“I’ve had to find out and fight all the way to get [name] support financially and medically.”

“Support from local services such as dental care.”

[Husband or wife]

Other problems mentioned by a small number of responses were the lack of awareness of veterans’ culture and the complexity of their health conditions, which was seen as a barrier to appropriate and effective support. Additionally, accessing medical records from service, by individuals and healthcare providers, was described as problematic by responses within this theme, suggesting this impacted the appropriateness of support offered to veterans and family members. Continued access to UK armed forces medical services was requested.

“Assistance with health matters, as normal GPs don’t understand what mental and physical health issues service personnel suffer with.”

“We need better medical care. From a professional who can understand the problems and long-term effects of forces life.”

[Brother or sister (including half brother or sister)]

“Getting medical records too complicated or any information about my father’s medical details. Lots of hoops, different departments, and roadblocks were put in the way.”

[Son or daughter (including adopted child)]

A small number of family members’ responses, referred to their own health conditions which they believed were caused by their connection to the UK armed forces community but which they felt they had not received support for. An example of this was descendants’ health conditions linked by respondents to UK armed forces operations. Around 1 in 100 responses referred to family members’ physical health conditions which they believed were attributed to their veterans’ time in service.

“Compensations for what he did, leading to our medical problems and compensation to help support mum as his widow.”

“He was at the British atom bomb test, he has passed to safe harbours now so too late for him, but medals, recognition and compensation would be nice as both my sister and I now have long term medical issues.”

[Son or daughter (including adopted child) caring 1 to 9 hours a week]

“PTSD care for immediate family members, health services for veteran family members after the Veteran has passed (my medical conditions are related to my father’s military career, as is my PTSD). However, I did not receive any help with medical issues after my father was medically retired. He passed in 2002 due to conditions directly linked to his Bomb Disposal career.”

Improved access to dental care was referred to by about 1 in 20 responses. Family members experienced challenges registering with a dentist during the transition period and because of families moving location after service. 

“We are still not registered with an NHS dentist after my husband retiring 6 years ago because we have moved into an area not taking on patients on transition out of the army. We should be prioritised as a family.”

A small number of responses mentioned specific key support services that they felt needed improving for veterans, including physiotherapy for issues like impaired mobility and back pain and medical services for acute mental illness requiring hospitalisation.

“Somewhere to go to get advice/help with mobility issues.”

“In need of a specialist bed due to back pain problem, we are still waiting for any response after [service provider] came and did a survey on what we needed, that was many years ago…and still no bed!”

[Son or daughter (including adopted child), caring support, 1 to 9 hours a week]

Around 1 in 20 responses mentioned a lack of awareness of veterans’ priority status within the healthcare system and inconsistencies in the application of the Armed Forces Covenant were barriers to support. To overcome this, suggestions were made for appropriate coding of family members’ NHS medical records and a register of the children of veterans, regardless of age, so veteran status and experience could be easily identified and supported through all medical services.

9. Mental health services

This section contains themes and quotes that some readers may find distressing.

A fifth of responses talked about mental health issues. Veterans’ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), living with service injuries and disability were described as a struggle for families to cope with. Within this theme, responses also asked for better and increased mental health support for their veteran and family members. A small proportion of responses within this theme reported incidents or risks of domestic violence connected to the mental health of their veteran family member. Information on current support for veterans and their families is available on GOV.UK.

“Advice and help with providing support, so that I do not feel like I am treading on eggshells all the time.”

“The pressure on a veteran’s family is incredible, especially the partner. There needs to be more help for people living with veterans with PTSD, medical conditions etc.”

“I would like to see soldiers who see or take an active part in combat properly supported when they come back. It is not normal to kill another human being, and I know they are trained in combat but training and actually carrying it out are totally different. To kill people has a huge impact on a person no matter who or what you are. A lot of men struggle when they come back after what they have seen and or had to do. I would like to see more support for families whose partner has been in combat to make sure the children are safe and never have to go through what my sisters did or like myself having to see or hear my sisters being beaten by my parents has scared me for life. My dad used to beat my mum too. Both my parents needed professional help but didn’t get anything. Very hard.”

Around 1 in 30 responses mentioned that, at times, the mental health issues of spouses or partners and of children related to their veteran’s time in service.

“Children of veterans often struggle from PTSD and other issues due to their parents’ service but there is nothing to acknowledge this or help them.”

“My parents struggled being part of a civilian community and felt they didn’t fit in no matter where we went. The years of army life made my dad very hard and unfeeling possibly from combat in [location]. My dad would have episodes of violence as did my mum who also did a short stint in the forces unlike my dad who did [length of service]. I hated life as a child and was afraid of both my parents, frightened to tell anyone that my sisters were being beaten by my parents as we were told that we would be separated and never see each other again. It left me with mental health issues of depression and anxiety, had […] suicide attempts […]. I’ve had […] counselling over the years. I would like to see soldiers who see or take an active part in combat properly supported when they come back…”

Most responses within this theme were dissatisfied with mental health support services for veterans and family members, describing them as not accessible or not adequate.

“Help with mental health for veteran family members would be helpful but is not accessible.”

“It’s as if the veteran and family are abandoned yet left with the military experience still affecting their everyday life.”

A small number of responses also referenced a sense of a lack of support during the death of their veteran family member. Responses within this theme asked for grief counselling and welfare checks for families suffering from bereavement after a veterans’ death.

“Mental health support for bereaved children — at any point after a parent’s death.”

[Husband or wife]

“Any support would be helpful. Grief counselling, anger management.”

Within the theme of mental health, responses also requested mental health training for family members to cope with and support the mental health of their veteran living with disability or PTSD.

“I need support from professionals in understanding my partner’s PTSD and how best to help him when he needs it.”

“Helpful to have something that gives insight into conditions such as PTSD, anxiety and depression. Currently there is nothing available to help families understand these conditions, how they impact the veteran and the family and how family can support the veteran.”

9.1 Addiction and suicide

A very small number, only around 1 in 70 responses, related to the theme of addiction and suicide. Though not a prevalent theme, there were insights provided as detailed below. Among these responses were mentions of the need for help with addiction, in particular alcohol addiction, and respondents said they could not access support.

Within this theme, family members’ responses referred to an association between alcoholism and the mental health problems that their veteran experienced. Responses within this theme also referenced needing additional support to cope with and treat addiction.

“He died from alcoholic liver disease because the post-service support was non-existent.”

“More support with alcohol addiction.”

“Addiction support, alcohol or drugs.”

[Husband or wife, caring support, 50 or more hours a week]

The potential risk of suicide was highlighted by a very small number of responses (around 1 in 80), referring to a need for help with mental health issues and suicide prevention.

“We went through many charities, and also have been through [service provider]. However, it’s months before you get contact, and then all you get is a phone call and a letter, and then nothing else. It has resulted in my partner attempting his own life, and I can’t do anything, and he feels no one will help or cares.”

“Mental health support. I’m often frightened that he will succumb to his depression.”

10. Disability and care support

A small proportion of responses (nearly 1 in 20) highlighted a need for care and support for veterans with physical service injuries, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and issues related to old age, such as reduced mobility, loneliness and dementia. It was stated that care was needed either directly for the veteran or to ease the pressure on family members of being a carer.

“Support for those caring for veterans who have PTSD. There is nothing for partners. We’re left to cope with, deal with and suffer on our own.”

Within these responses, it was commented that support services such as therapy and priority healthcare need to be extended to family members who were caregivers, in recognition of the support they have provided for disabled and injured veterans.

“Priority healthcare as I have to keep going to look after my husband.”

“Awareness that a veterans’ family is important in their rehab and longer-term support - help them to help their loved one.”

The types of support responses suggested would be helpful included in-home assistance to support medical and social needs, as well as counselling and respite care. Responses included within this theme referenced feeling that there was a need for veterans to have improved access to information, outreach assessments and continued specialist medical and caring support for physical injuries, blindness and deafness sustained during or because of their service. Additionally, responses cited a need for better information and advice on the provision of care and support in the family home and in care homes.

“No support for being the sole carer of a military veteran with complex PTSD. Not even from [service provider] - nothing available for carers/family members (despite what they say).”

“I reached out to find some veterans’ support when my husband was dying, and I needed help, but I never got a reply - it was [service provider].”

“More information about services available to elderly veterans.”

[Son or daughter (including adopted child)]

Responses also mentioned a feeling that their veterans’ disability and their own caring duties put increased financial strain on families and an increase in financial support for carers and disability benefits was requested. Within this theme, responses mentioned a need for support with suitable housing, financial help with adaptations needed for medical conditions and funding towards equipment, such as stair-lifts and hearing aids. 

“Decent carers allowance. I had to close my business to care for my husband and get £69.70 a week.”

[Husband or wife, caring support, 1 to 9 hours a week]

11. Housing

Almost 1 in 20 responses referred to housing and around 1 in 50 of all responses specifically mentioned issues with homelessness. Family members described experiencing a lack of support regarding housing for veterans and family members. They felt that improved support was required with housing for homeless veterans, single veterans, couples, families and retired veterans. This included more accessible and affordable housing, social housing, housing in their local area, priority housing for veterans and their families and support to prevent homelessness.

“As a couple with no children you are not classified as a family, so you do not get help with housing.”

Responses within this theme also asked for more information and clearer advice around accessing housing, as some found messaging inconsistent.

“The biggest issue with leaving the military is losing military housing. We heard anecdotally that you get an extra 3 months in a house, but when we received a letter, it was only two. There is no clarity.”

“Easy access to affordable homes or mortgages.”

Housing needs are met by the UK armed forces while personnel are still in service, but responses within the housing theme, referenced that finding appropriate housing after leaving service was complicated. Family members referred to financial difficulties and said they would have found information and support with improving their credit score, debt relief and assistance securing a mortgage, beneficial when they were trying to improve their housing situation.

12. Finances and pensions

Over a fifth of responses mentioned an experience of a lack of information and support for financial issues, these were in relation to one or more of the following:

• being medically discharged
• disabilities
• medical aids
• housing needs
• adaptations to homes
• cost of living
• tax
• budgeting
• war pensions

Family members’ responses described problems accessing benefits and pensions, and said they required help with compensation claims for service injury and the delayed onset of illness after service. 

“Better information on finance such as taxation, inheritance and corporation tax.”

[Other relative, prison sentence]

“Free pension advice and support.”

“Would be nice if we had something similar to the Veterans Association (US) - VA-backed home loan. It’s an absolute mission trying to save a deposit in this country that satisfies some of the mainstream lenders in the UK, especially with the house prices.”

“Financial support for children going to university.”

12.1 Pensions

Almost 1 in 10 of responses mentioned issues around pensions and support was requested on:

• reducing or excluding tax payments on pensions
• increasing eligibility for all armed forces pensions
• Gurkhas’ access to pensions
• War Widow(er)’s Pension paid in full
• descendants’ access to pensions
• access to pension advice and support
• simpler and faster application processes

“Veterans who are medically discharged being awarded the correct tier of pension for disability. Actively under awarding has resulted in significant emotional and financial upheaval for many veterans and their families.”

[Partner]

“How to pursue compensation for injury, out-with the basic pension claims schemes which don’t award anywhere near the amount some people require.”

Within this theme, responses described pension payments as being just above the tax threshold and said paying tax from their pensions caused financial pressure. Suggestions for improving family members financial positions included an increase in pension payments, or a reduction or an exclusion from tax on veteran pensions.

“I receive half of my late husband’s pension, for which I am grateful, but pay tax on it. At the moment with the current financial crisis, I find it difficult to cope.”

“A pension that is sufficient to live on.”

[Father or mother (including adopted parent)]

Further comments on improving veterans’ pension schemes considered increasing eligibility, so more veterans and their family members could access pensions. Improved access to, and equality of, pensions for Gurkhas, war widows, descendants, surviving partners and ex-partners were also requested.

“Reinstatement of War Widows Pension for those who have remarried and lost it.”

“Equality pension for the Gurkha would be grateful. Such as [name] who served 22 years and he is receiving 13 years 250 days pension only. I think it’s not fair on him.” 

“Sorting out my son’s military pension after he died, I tried to get his pension for his daughter but was turned down because he wasn’t married to her mum.”

A small number of responses explained that they felt the current War Widow(er)’s pension was not adequate, and they asked for higher payments in recognition of the spouse’s sacrifices made during time of service.

“My husband would be very upset to see how little of his naval pension was passed to me. After 22 years of service, where I looked after the home and raised our children, it seems a very small portion. He was on active service in the Falklands War and also away from home for long periods, this had an effect on our family lives, and I think we deserve more.”

“That my husband’s pension is transferred in full should he die. I have fully supported him throughout his service and still do. I have given up my career to support him, move with him to wherever he was posted. Looked after children and home for him to return to a secure, stable environment. Lived married unaccompanied due to operational deployments and war. I think that long-term forces wives should be supported better and entitled to the full pension as we have contributed as much and have given up so much.”

Responses within this theme also stated that they felt there was a need for more transparency, better advice and clearer information on the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS), and also the 2015 Pension Remedy, than was provided by the government and charities.

Family members said they would welcome simpler and faster application processes and information on pensions and that they would find automatic updates on pension information and online access to pension services beneficial.

“Moving more services online, such as notifying changes of address for pensions etc, rather than having to use paper forms that take months to process.”

[Father or mother (including adopted parent)]

“War Pension help. Filling in forms is awful. Denial of pensions is too long. The process takes too long and is very complicated. Getting medical records too complicated or any information about my father’s medical details. Lots of hoops, different departments and roadblocks were put in the way. He died from complications due to his [service] and he has no recognition, no help for the descendants who are suffering from illness and deformed bodies.”

[Son or daughter (including adopted child)]

13. Other support needs after service

13.1 Support needs for families of deceased veterans

Around 1 in 20 responses referenced a need for more help and information for families following the death of a veteran.

“Support for partners of recently deceased veterans. Particularly for those with dependants under 18.”

“Husband dies. Wives and children forgotten.”

“More help for widows.”

Family members stated that they needed support with form filling when a veteran had died, and a small number of responses mentioned difficulties experienced when dealing with war pension administration and requests for records of deceased veterans. Information about widow’s pensions was also felt to be lacking.

“I personally have had no support as a widow of a retired veteran. I was married for 35 of my husband’s 37 years [of service] and he was suddenly given 4 months to live 9 years after retirement. I cared for him at home full-time. Any support like you receive if your husband is killed whilst serving would have been helpful.”

“More information and assistance when a spouse passes away. No incorrect information sent. A visit and a clear indicator advising what type of pension. Support and advice.”

Family members’ responses within this theme also referred to a need for recognition and compensation for veterans whose health was impacted by their service and for family members of those who had died in service.

“As a widow of someone killed in service, I find support to be non-existent.”

“As a war widow it would be helpful if agencies remembered we exist and don’t simply call themselves ‘veterans’ agencies.”

[Husband or wife, caring support, 1 to 9 hours a week]

13.2 Community networks, loneliness and belonging

Around 1 in 8 responses mentioned a feeling of isolation, felt a lack of community, highlighted the need for more community networks or clubs, or needed more support in the local area for the family or veteran. They described losing a way of life and finding it hard to adjust to civilian culture on leaving the UK armed forces.

“There is a great deal of isolation created by being daughter of and then wife of a serviceman. My husband’s job and our home moving around for my first 44 years of life creates a lack of connection and has a great and bad impact on mental health where there is no personal support.” 

“Having spent 8 years abroad with my husband and given up my career to support him, it was difficult to find like-minded people who had something in common on my return to the UK, and so I felt quite isolated.”

“The general public have absolutely no idea whatsoever what we have been through, what being in the military actually means and the difficulties we face trying to integrate into established communities.”

To aid adjustment to civilian life, family members’ responses within this theme expressed the need for networks for ex-service personnel and families, which they felt were lacking. Respondents said they would benefit from social community organisations and networks facilitating connections with other former service families who had similar values and experiences and enable the development of mutual support networks. A need for in-person clubs and local support networks for veterans and family members were referenced by a high proportion of responses within this theme.

“Information regarding what is going on in the local community for families / spouses of veterans. I enjoyed being part of the military family and don’t feel that now.”

[Husband or wife, caring support, 50 hours or more a week]

In terms of support needed in the local area, family members’ responses within this theme expressed the wish for home visits or a befriending service for elderly veterans to combat feelings of loneliness. Responses also mentioned the need for greater understanding from local services about the needs of veterans and the dissemination of guidance and support at a local level.

“A local befriending service for veterans and families of veterans who reside in supported living/care homes and have dementia.”

[Father or mother]

Just over 1 in 20 responses referred to a lack of “community” or sense of belonging and feeling lonely or not needed. Within this theme, responses included expressions of feelings about having been abandoned by the armed forces, the government and wider society. A small number of responses referenced a feeling that there was a public stigma or shame attached to a connection with the armed forces in the UK.

Family members’ responses also referenced a lack of awareness and knowledge amongst the public regarding the military service of the whole family and what they had experienced and commented on a feeling of being undervalued.

“The general public have absolutely no idea whatsoever what we have been through, what being in the military actually means and the difficulties we face trying to integrate into established communities.”

13.3 Lack of awareness and perceived limitations of the Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise from the government and other signatories that those who serve or have served in the UK armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. Just under 1 in 20 responses were included within this theme which referenced a feeling that the terms of the Covenant were poorly understood or implemented in an inconsistent way, dependent on service, location, local authority area and country. Responses suggested the Covenant should be better implemented to give veterans and their families priority access to health care and housing, as well as protect opportunities for employment.

Responses within this theme also stated they had encountered healthcare professionals, local authorities and employers who had limited to no awareness of the terms of the Covenant which they felt left some families disadvantaged.

“There is a ‘covenant’ but invariably this is down to luck whether it is ever applied.”

“I do get very annoyed at the gap between the rhetoric of the Armed Forces Covenant and the reality of how public services and private companies treat us.”

[Husband or wife, caring support, 50 or more hours a week]

To improve the experiences of families and veterans after service, respondents requested greater promotion of the Armed Forces Covenant.

“[Service provider] isn’t aware of their own veterans’ programme — this needs promoting.”

“More publicity regarding services and support available to improve the lives of veterans, especially the [service provider] as many medical workers are not aware of priority for veterans when seeking medical help with regard to injuries sustained in the line of duty.”

13.4 Enhanced Veterans’ ID Cards

Around 1 in 30 responses called for the Veteran ID card to offer additional concessions to veterans and their families, including rail travel, utilities, childcare, leisure facilities and discounts from private businesses. Information on the current HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, launched in 2019, is available on the GOV.UK website.

Responses within this theme also suggested that it would be beneficial to have a continuation of the type of benefits available to serving members, such as access to gyms. A small number of responses made comparisons to the discounts and support services available to veterans’ families in the United States.

“Would be helpful to have a rail card for veterans’ families.”

[Husband or wife]

“Discounted services for ex-military as in USA.”

[Brother or sister (including half brother or sister)]

“I look at the Veterans Associations in the USA and see a gulf between what they do to support their veterans and what we have in the UK.”

“Swift role out of veterans cards and benefits akin to those of serving soldiers.”

[Husband or wife]

Further quantitative data for family responses to the survey by personal characteristics, life after service, and where respondents accessed sources of information about veteran-related issues, services or benefits are available in our accompanying dataset.

14. Data about the family members of UK armed forces veterans

Responses to the family element of the Veterans’ Survey 2022
Dataset | Released 17 June 2025

Family members of UK armed forces veterans by family relationship, caring responsibilities and life after service experiences, unweighted estimates, from the Veterans’ Survey 2022, UK.

15. Glossary

15.1 Confidence intervals

Veterans’ Family Survey 2022 estimates are presented in our data with 95% confidence intervals. At the 95% confidence level, over many repeats of a survey under the same conditions, one would expect that the confidence interval would contain the true population value 95 times out of 100.

15.2 Family member

This analysis defines a family member as a person who is closely related to a UK armed forces veteran, including spouses, partners, children (including adopted and stepchildren), parents (including adopted and stepparents), grandparents, grandchildren, siblings (including half brothers or sisters and stepbrothers or sisters) and in-laws. All respondents were aged 18 years or over in line with survey eligibility criteria.

Surviving spouses or partners of someone who had served in the UK armed forces were eligible to respond to the survey. Family members had not previously served in the UK armed forces themselves.

Where available, respondent information was included alongside quotes which could include the relationship to veteran and any caring responsibilities provided to support the veteran in number of hours per week.

15.3 UK armed forces veteran

This analysis defines veterans as people aged 18 years and over who have previously served in the UK armed forces. This includes those who have served for at least one day in the UK armed forces, either regular or reserves, or merchant mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.

It does not include those who have left and since re-entered the regular or reserve UK armed forces, those who have only served in foreign armed forces, or those who have served in the UK armed forces and are currently living outside of the UK.

16. Data sources and quality

16.1 Data

Veterans in this research have been identified using the Veterans’ Survey 2022. For more information, see our Veterans’ Survey methodology.

16.2 Quality

Bias in sample profile, Veterans’ Survey 2022

Bias in the responses to the veteran family survey is unknown and the method used for sampling was self-select and relied on advertising and promotion by a variety of veteran organisations as outlined in the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS’s) Veterans’ Survey methodology. Univariate data presented are to understand who respondents to the Veterans’ family survey were and are not intended to be an estimate of the size or shape of the veteran family population.

Statistical disclosure control

To ensure statistical disclosure conditions are met in our quantitative analysis, we do not publish estimates for data based on fewer than 3 respondents.

Qualitative analysis

Veteran family members were asked a more generic question about services and support: “Can you tell us what service and support would have been helpful for you that is currently lacking?”. This question asked for free text, qualitative responses. Respondents could have responded in relation to their needs at any stage of life. 

We took all the responses and removed blank responses and responses that stated the respondent did not have an answer or did not know. The remaining veteran responses (705) were then classified into themes. Each response could be classified to multiple themes, where applicable. Content analysis of these responses is unweighted.

17. Related links

UK armed forces veterans who had ever been convicted of criminal offences, and had served or were serving prison sentences
Article | Released 10 June 2025

This report provides coverage analysis of criminal offence convictions and prison sentences from the Veterans’ Survey 2022, with focus on: 

• veterans who had ever been convicted of a criminal offence and when they had ever been convicted 
• veterans who had ever served a prison sentence 
• veterans who were serving prison sentences at the time of the survey

Estimates of veteran responses are provided by personal and service-related characteristics. Estimates of veteran convictions and prison sentences are weighted, estimates of veterans currently serving prison sentences are unweighted.

Employment, skills and volunteering of UK armed forces veterans
Article | Released 23 April 2025

This report provides analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022, with focus on:

• employment
• skills
• volunteering

Estimates of veteran responses are provided by personal and service-related characteristics. All UK estimates are weighted. Qualitative analysis contained in this report is unweighted.

Finance and housing of UK armed forces veterans
Article | Released 10 January 2025

This report provides analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022, with focus on:

• income and money worries
• veterans that were homeless, rough sleeping, living in a refuge for domestic abuse and living long-term with family or friends

Estimates of veteran responses are provided by personal and service-related characteristics. All UK estimates are weighted percentages. Qualitative analysis contained in this report is unweighted.

Health and wellbeing of UK armed forces veterans
Article | Released 4 December 2024

This report provides analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022, with focus on:

• health
• wellbeing
• GP and dentist registrations

Estimates of veteran responses are provided by personal and service-related characteristics. All UK estimates are weighted. Qualitative analysis contained in this report is unweighted.

Preparedness to leave the UK armed forces
Article | Released 22 August 2024

This report provides analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022, with a focus on:

• preparedness to leave the UK armed forces
• types of information, advice or guidance that would have improved transition

Estimates of veteran responses are provided by personal and service-related characteristics. All UK estimates are weighted. Qualitative analysis contained in this report is unweighted.

Life after service in the UK armed forces
Article | Released 9 August 2024

This report provides analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022, with a focus on:

• where veterans accessed information about veteran-related issues, services or benefits
• use of veteran or service charities
• awareness, use and satisfaction of Veterans UK and Veterans’ Gateway
• community engagement

Estimates of veteran responses are provided by personal and service-related characteristics. All UK estimates are weighted.

The Veterans’ Survey 2022, demographic overview and coverage analysis, UK 
Article | Released 15 December 2023

Coverage and sample bias analysis of the Veterans’ Survey 2022, with weighted estimates for veteran responses in the UK by personal characteristics.

Veterans’ Survey 2022 to Census 2021 linkage report
Methodology | Released 15 December 2023

Quality of the linkage between Census 2021 and the Veterans’ Survey 2022 and main findings.

Veterans’ Survey methodology
Methodology | Released 15 December 2023

Overview of the development, processing, data cleaning and weighting of the Veterans’ Survey 2022.

Harmonised standard for previous UK armed forces service
Methodology | Released 16 March 2022

Detail on how the measurement of previous UK armed forces service has been made more comparable, consistent, and coherent.