This information applies to:
- people who will soon be leaving the armed forces
- people who used to serve in the armed forces (veterans)
- the dependants of people who will soon be leaving the armed forces and veterans
Help you can get with housing before you leave the services
If you are leaving the armed forces you have the right to help with finding somewhere to live. You can get help through the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO). They provide information and advice for you and your dependants, especially if you are about to return to civilian life. If you are a veteran currently living in armed forces housing, they can help you move out and find a civilian home. You can contact JSHAO in the following ways: Joint Service Housing Advice Office Floor 2, Zone 2 Montgomery House Queen’s Avenue Aldershot Hampshire GU11 2JN Advice line: 07814 612120 Email: RC-Pers-JSHAO-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk Website: www.gov.uk If you need specially adapted accommodation, for example, because you are disabled or have a disabled child, you can apply to have your details entered on to one or more Accessible Housing Registers.Help you can get with finding a home as a veteran
If you are a veteran, you can get help to find somewhere to live from your local council. They can give you free advice on housing options, and advice if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness. You can find details of your local council on the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk.You can get a referral to a service that supports veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The service is called Op FORTITUDE.
You can refer yourself, or get a referral from:
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a member of the public
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homelessness or veteran charities
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your local council
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prison and probation services
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Defence Transition Services (DTS)
Op FORTITUDE will assess:
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your immediate safety
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your current housing situation and location
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your housing needs – for example adaptations, size of property and location
They’ll also assess if you need help with things like setting up utilities, budgeting and help claiming benefits.
Op FORTITUDE will match you with supported housing or help you stay in your current housing. Supported housing is accommodation where residents get support, supervision or care. It aims to help people live as independently as possible.
Op FORTITUDE can also make referrals to veteran charities for other forms of support.
Op FORTITUDE
Telephone: 0800 952 0774
Calls to this number are free from mobiles and landlines.
Online referral form: www.riv.org.uk/opfortitude
www.riverside.org.uk/care-and-support/veterans/opfortitude/
If you’re homeless
If you don’t have anywhere to live, you can get help from your local council. The council has a legal duty to provide help to certain people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. When deciding if there is a legal duty to help you, one of the things the council will look at is whether you have a priority need. You’ll have a priority need if you are vulnerable because of your time in the armed forces. Get advice on applying for homeless help from the council. If you have nowhere to live, you can get help and advice from an experienced adviser, contact us.If you’re a disabled veteran
If you need everyday help, or help with things like adaptations to your home, you may get this from your local council or the welfare service of Veterans UK. You can find more information about help available for disabled people on GOV.UK. You can find out about the help available from Veterans UK on their website or call the helpline on 0808 1914218. Check your local council’s website to find out what services they offer. You can find your local council on GOV.UK. You may also be able to get help from some veterans’ organisations.Care homes for veterans
There are a number of care homes available just for elderly and disabled veterans. You can find out more information and advice about this from the Royal British Legion. Their contact details are: Legionline: 0808 802 8080 Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk For more information about housing options for older and disabled people, see Care homes.Further help
More information for the armed forces, veterans and their families
For more financial information, see Benefits and concessions for the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. For more pensions information, see Pension and compensation schemes for the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. For more information on housing, see the Housing section.Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant provides support to service personnel, veterans and their families. The Covenant campaigns for fair access to government and commercial services such as healthcare and education. Find out more about the Covenant on their website.Seafarers’ Advice & Information Line (SAIL)
SAIL is a UK-wide Citizens Advice service dedicated to serving and veteran Royal Navy personnel and their families. They offer free housing advice and support.
Seafarers’ Advice & Information Line (SAIL)
Phone: free on 0800 160 1842 (Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm – or you can leave a message outside these hours)
Email: advice@sailine.org.uk
Website: www.sailine.org.uk