Service Complaints and Discharge Support for Armed Forces
If something has gone wrong during your service — or the way it ended — you have rights. This page covers the service complaints process, discharge and misconduct support, and how to access legal aid if you need it.
Use the sections below to find the right route for your situation.
Discharge and Misconduct Support
The type of discharge you receive affects your pension, benefits, and employment options. If you've been administratively discharged, face misconduct proceedings, or believe your discharge was unjust, don't assume the decision is final.
Our full guide covers:
- Discharge types and what each means for your entitlements
- How to challenge a discharge decision
- Support organisations for veterans with complex discharge histories — including legal, employment, mental health, and housing
→ Read the full discharge and misconduct support guide
How to Make a Service Complaint
Serving personnel and recent leavers can raise formal complaints about bullying, harassment, discrimination, unfair treatment, and pay issues through the service complaints system. The process has strict timelines — missing them can affect your options. If you're considering making a complaint, get advice before you start.
How it works:
- Raise it informally first — in many cases you're expected to attempt informal resolution before submitting a formal complaint
- Submit a formal complaint — this must be done within three months of the incident, or three months from when you became aware of it
- Your complaint is assigned — a Deciding Body (usually a senior officer) is appointed to investigate
- A decision is made — you'll receive a written outcome, usually within a set timeframe
- If you're unhappy — you can escalate to the Service Complaints Ombudsman if the process wasn't followed correctly or the outcome was unreasonable
⚠ Time limits are strict. If you're close to the three-month window, seek advice before submitting to make sure your complaint is as strong as possible.
→ How to make a service complaint
The Service Complaints Ombudsman
If your complaint hasn't been handled fairly, hasn't been dealt with within the required timeframe, or you believe the outcome was wrong, you can escalate to the Service Complaints Ombudsman (SCO). The SCO is fully independent of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence.
You can go to the SCO if:
- Your complaint wasn't dealt with within the required timeframe
- You believe the process wasn't followed properly
- You think the outcome was unreasonable or the investigation was inadequate
You cannot go directly to the SCO — you must have gone through the internal complaints process first. The SCO cannot overturn a decision outright, but they can recommend it be reconsidered. Their findings are published annually and have led to systemic changes in how complaints are handled across the Armed Forces.
Legal Aid and Specialist Legal Support
You don't have to navigate a complaint or discharge challenge alone. Free and specialist legal support exists for veterans and serving personnel — and using it early makes a significant difference to outcomes.
Centre for Military Justice — provides free expert legal services to serving personnel, veterans, and bereaved families. If you believe your discharge was unjust or your complaint wasn't handled properly, this is your first call.
SSAFA and the Royal British Legion — both offer welfare and advocacy support, including help understanding your rights and accessing legal referrals.
Fighting With Pride — specialist support for LGBTQ+ veterans whose discharge or misconduct may have been linked to historic policies or discrimination, including access to redress initiatives.
Op NOVA — run by the Forces Employment Charity and commissioned by NHS England, supports veterans who have come into contact with the legal system, with a practical, employment-focused approach.
Search for specialist advice dedicated to veterans
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I challenge my discharge?
Yes. You can apply for a review through the Service Complaints Ombudsman or the Armed Forces Redress of Complaints system. Get legal advice before you start — the Centre for Military Justice offers this for free.
What happens to my benefits after a misconduct discharge?
You may lose certain entitlements, but not always all of them. It depends on the discharge type and circumstances. Get advice from SSAFA or a specialist solicitor before assuming the worst.
How long do I have to make a service complaint?
There are strict time limits — generally three months from the incident or from when you became aware of it. Don't delay; seek advice as soon as possible.
Is there support for LGBTQ+ veterans?
Yes. Fighting With Pride supports veterans discharged under historic policies and connects them with advocacy, peer networks, and redress initiatives.
Where can I get help with mental health or addiction linked to my discharge? Combat Stress and Care After Combat both run recovery programmes for veterans dealing with PTSD, trauma, and substance misuse.
This page provides general guidance only, not legal advice. Always verify your position with a specialist adviser before making decisions.