Housing Support for Veterans: Benefits, Priority & Assistance

Ex-Military Housing Benefits in the UK

Leaving the Armed Forces can sometimes mean losing military accommodation before a civilian home is ready. That’s where ex-military housing benefits come in. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to:

• Housing Benefit (or the housing element of Universal Credit)

• Local housing allowance to help with private rent

• Support from charities to cover deposits and upfront rental costs

• Advice on budgeting and keeping up with rent

These benefits exist to bridge the gap and prevent unnecessary hardship during the transition.

Council Housing Priority for Veterans: Who Qualifies?

Many veterans ask whether they get council housing priority for veterans, and the answer is yes, in certain circumstances. Local authorities are required to give additional priority to service leavers, particularly if you:

• Left the Armed Forces within the last five years

• Are at risk of homelessness after leaving service accommodation

• Have urgent medical or welfare needs linked to your service

The level of priority may vary between councils, but veterans are not treated as “intentionally homeless” if they’re leaving service housing. That means you’ll usually be placed higher up on housing registers.

Armed Forces Housing Assistance Schemes

Beyond councils, there are also schemes offering Armed Forces housing assistance. This includes:

• Housing associations with veteran-specific properties

• Government-backed schemes like Help to Buy (Armed Forces)

• Charities such as Haig Housing and The Royal British Legion providing housing support and grants

• These options give veterans more choice – whether you’re looking for temporary accommodation, social housing, or a route to affordable home ownership.

Homeless Veteran Support in the UK: Emergency & Long-Term Help

Sadly, some ex-forces personnel find themselves without a home. The good news is that there is targeted homeless veteran support in the UK, with charities and councils working together to provide emergency accommodation and long-term help. Under the Homelessness Reduction Act (2018), local councils have a duty to support veterans who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, ensuring you get the guidance and housing assistance you’re entitled to.

Organisations like Stoll, SSAFA, and Combat Stress not only provide housing support, but also offer employment, health, and wellbeing services to help you rebuild stability and move forward.

Please remember: if you find yourself in this situation, you are not alone, support is available, and reaching out is the first step to getting back on track.

FAQs on Housing Support & Benefits for Veterans

Do veterans get housing support in the UK?
Yes. Veterans can access housing support for veterans UK through councils, government benefits, and specialist charities. This includes help with rent, deposits, and finding long-term housing.

What ex-military housing benefits are available?
You may qualify for Housing Benefit, Universal Credit housing support, or additional grants from veterans’ charities to cover moving and rental costs.

Do councils give veterans priority for housing?
Yes. Many councils have policies giving council housing priority for veterans, especially those recently discharged or facing homelessness after leaving service accommodation.

What armed forces housing assistance schemes exist?
Schemes include housing association homes, the Armed Forces Help to Buy scheme, and veteran housing provided by charities.

What help is there for homeless veterans in the UK?
There are dedicated homeless veteran support UK services offering emergency housing, supported accommodation, and long-term resettlement support.