Using an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card as a service leaver
Guidance on usage of the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card.
The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a quick and easy way to prove your status as a veteran.
It’s a recognition of your service and can be one of the ways that helps you maintain a link with your service identity.
Apply for a Veteran Card
If you have left service since 2019, you should have received an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card when leaving.
If you left service before 2019, you can apply by clicking the button below.
Ways to use a Veteran Card
There are many services available to ex-members of the armed forces.
To access these services some organisations, including charities, may need to verify that you are a veteran. This is to ensure that only those who are eligible access services specifically for veterans and their families.
As a veteran you can prove your status in many ways, and an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a simple way to do this.
For example, you need to verify your veteran status when you:
- get a Veterans’ Railcard, entitling you to up to a third off most rail travel in England, Scotland and Wales
- get a Defence Discount Service Card, to claim discounts in over 12,000 restaurants and shops, on the high street and online
- access specific offers during special events, such as free travel on public transport to and from remembrance events on the weekend of Remembrance Sunday
There are other services and government initiatives available to veterans where your Veteran Card may be useful.
Examples of services and government initiatives for veterans include:
Employment initiatives such as Great Place to Work, Going Forward into Employment, Advance into Justice and Step into Health.
National Insurance Relief for your employer in your first civilian role after service for up to 12 months.
Housing support and guidance from the Op FORTITUDE team.
Exemption from a local connection test when applying for social housing (if you were serving in the regular forces at any time in the 5 years before your application). For further guidance, see Social housing allocations guidance.
Support and services from criminal justice agencies such as the Police, Probation Service and the Prison Service as part of Op NOVA.
Last updated 9 February 2024 + show all updates
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Added image of sample Veteran Card.
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Added lines on local connection test exemption for social housing allocation.
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Page updated to reflect card application process is now live.
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Added bullet 'get a Defence Discount Service Card, to claim discounts in over 12,000 restaurants and shops, on the high street and online'
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First published.