Unlock Hidden Cash: Benefits, Grants & Compensation Every Armed Forces Member Should Know About!
Created on 23 Jan 2025
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Updated on 12 Feb 2025
Did you know that there are countless organisations, charities, and government schemes designed specifically to support the Armed Forces community? More people than you realise want to help you—offering grants, benefits, and financial assistance tailored to your needs. Whether you’re currently serving, transitioning into civilian life, or a veteran, there’s a world of financial support out there waiting for you to claim it.
To make things easier, we’ve compiled this essential guide with expert advice and direct links to help you access every bit of support you’re entitled to.
Benefits: What Are You Entitled To?
If you’re a veteran, serving personnel, or a family member, you could be eligible for financial support—but are you claiming everything you should be? Here’s a breakdown of the most common benefits available and how to apply:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP): PIP can help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or a difficulty doing certain everyday tasks because of a disability.
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP): You will not be able to get PIP and AFIP at the same time but AFIP is designed to provide financial support to service personnel and veterans seriously injured as a result of service. You could be eligible if you were injured on or after 6th April, 2055 or who have an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) which is in Band A - C.
- Universal Credit: Universal Credit is replacing Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Working Tax Credit. It is a payment to help with living costs and for those who are on a low income or out of work.
- Carer’s Allowance: You may be entitled to carer’s allowance (£81.90 a week) if you care for someone at least 35 hours and they get certain benefits - which includes the Armed Forces Independence Payment.
- Council Tax Reduction: You could be eligible for a council tax reduction if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working. Your allowance depends on certain factors including where you live - each council runs their own scheme - household income and whether children or other adults live with you.
Council Tax Support for Armed Forces Personnel & Veterans
- Serving military personnel: You are exempt from paying council tax if you are living in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and Armed Forces Accommodation including barracks and messes. If you are serving and you own your own home or are renting and you are deployed on operations overseas, you may be eligible for council tax reduction.
- Veterans and their families: Like serving personnel overseas, you may be entitled to council tax reduction depending on your personal circumstances.
👉 To work out what benefits you and your family are entitled to click here.
Grants & Free Money You Might Be Missing Out On
Did you know there are grants available exclusively for the Armed Forces community? These can help with everything from housing and education to wellbeing and family support.
- Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Sponsored by the MoD, the Armed Forces Covenant Trust supports a range of programmes through grants for serving personnel, veterans, their carers and families. For example, one of their most recent programmes, The NAAFI fund makes grants to UK Armed Forces bases, for projects that improve the quality of life for serving personnel and serving families living on or near a Forces base.
- Military Charities: A number of military charities offer grants to serving personnel veterans and their families and differ depending on the charity and individual grant. For example, The Army Benevolent Fund works in partnership with the Regimental and Corps charities and caseworking organisations to ensure members of the Army family receive the help they need. You can search for available grants here.
👉 Explore the latest grants for veterans and military families.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme: Are You Owed a Lump Sum?
If you were injured due to service, you could be owed thousands in compensation. The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides financial support in two forms:
- Tax-Free Lump Sum: A one-time payment based on the severity of your injury.
- Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP): Monthly financial support for those with more serious injuries.
If your injury happened before April 6, 2005, you can claim under the War Pension Scheme (WPS).
Don’t Leave Money on the Table!
Financial help is out there—but most people don’t know where to look. Whether you’re still serving, transitioning into civilian life, or supporting a military family, understanding your entitlements ensures you get the financial backing you deserve.
👉 Claim your benefits, apply for grants, and get expert advice tailored for the Armed Forces community here.