Guidance and Application Process for the LGBT Veterans Financial Recognition Scheme

LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme

The following data provides a monthly update on the progress of the scheme.

Status as of 26/05/26:

Total individual applicants*: 1,519

*Applicants may have multiple cases as there are two distinct payment categories.

Total decisions processed: 1,733

Total payments disbursed: £52,600,500

Established following the recommendations of the LGBT Veterans Independent Review published in July 2023, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme provides financial redress to those who served in the Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000 and were directly impacted by the ban on LGBT personnel.

This guide outlines eligibility requirements and provides detailed instructions on how to apply.

Payment Categories

The scheme offers two types of financial recognition payments:

1. LGBT Dismissed or Discharged Payment: This is intended for individuals who were dismissed or administratively discharged due to the ban. This includes officers who were formally instructed to resign or retire by their respective Service Boards.

2. LGBT Impact Payment: This payment recognizes other adverse experiences of those who served under the ban, as detailed in the Financial Recognition Payment Types and Tariff Table (Annex B of the Scheme Rules).

Applicants are strongly advised to review the scheme rules and the application guidance provided above before submitting their request.

How to Apply

Digital Applications

The Ministry of Defence recommends that all eligible veterans submit their applications online via Defence Gateway, which has been available since 13 December 2024.

The online portal ensures that personal data and uploaded documentation remain secure and provides a dashboard for applicants to track their application status in real-time.

The digital application process consists of two steps:

Step 1: Register for a Defence Gateway account to gain access to the application form.

Step 2: Sign in to the account and submit the application through the dedicated Financial Recognition Scheme app.

Paper Applications

Veterans who prefer to apply using a physical form should first review the scheme rules and guidance. Hard copy application forms can be requested from Veterans UK via the following channels:

Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk

Freephone (UK): 0808 1914 2 18 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm)

Telephone (International): +44 1253 866 043 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm)

Application Support

To assist veterans with the application process, the scheme has partnered with Fighting with Pride and the Royal British Legion. These organizations can provide guidance on completing the forms, drafting supporting evidence, and answering specific queries.

Royal British Legion

For details on available support, please visit the Royal British Legion’s page on restorative measures for LGBTQIA+ Veterans.

Fighting with Pride

For further assistance, visit the Fighting with Pride LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme resource page.

Veterans Welfare Service (VWS)

Additional assistance is available through the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). The VWS provides comprehensive guidance and support to veterans and their families through a network of case managers across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

To learn more, visit the Veterans Welfare Service website or contact the Veterans’ Helpline:

• Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
• Freephone (UK): 0808 1914 2 18 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm)
• Telephone (International): +44 1253 866 043 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm)

Other Restorative Measures

For information regarding non-financial restorative measures, please visit the “LGBT veterans: support and next steps” section.

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