Veterans and their families

Social housing

(also known as council housing) - is let at low rents on a secure basis to those who are most in need or struggling with their housing costs. Normally councils and not-for-profit organisations, such as housing associations, are the ones to provide social housing.

You can find the contact details of your local authority via the Veterans Gateway and all of Lancashire’s local authorities have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

To be eligible for social housing you will need to be:

  • currently serving in the Regular Forces, or have served in the Regular Forces
  • a bereaved spouse, or civil partner of someone serving in the Regular Forces where the bereaved spouse or civil partner has recently had to leave, or will soon have to leave, Ministry of Defence accommodation following the death of their service spouse or civil partner in service
  • a current, or former member of the Reserve Forces who is suffering from a serious injury, illness, or disability which is wholly or partly attributable to their service.

In an application, you need to tell the council:

  • that you have served in the Armed Forces
  • if your current home is overcrowded
  • If you have medical problems* or a disability which means your current home is unsuitable
  • if you are at risk of homelessness
  • if you can’t afford a privately rented home.

*If you have medical problems or a disability you may need to get letters from a doctor to support your application.

The Improving access to social housing for members of the Armed Forces guidance, published 27 June 2020, sets out how local authorities can ensure that estranged spouses and civil partners of serving personnel are not disadvantaged when applying for social housing, and that members of the Armed Forces and veterans suffering from mental ill health are given the priority for social housing that they deserve.

Further information:

  • Shelter council housing
  • Citizens Advice housing options for people leaving the Armed Forces, veterans and their families
  • SSAFA the Armed Forces charity has expert housing advisors who can offer impartial advice and guidance for those who have left the Armed Forces

Homelessness

In November 2024 the government announced that, Veterans will have greater access to social housing thanks to the removal of a local connection requirement.  The new changes, made by the Housing Minister in Parliament today, exempt all former UK Armed Forces Veterans from rules that restrict access to social housing for those that do not have a connection to the local area. This will make sure veterans across the country have access to the housing support they need and can find a place to call home. The changes apply to councils with local connection or residency tests determining who can currently qualify for social housing. This will ensure veterans cannot be unfairly penalised where such requirements are in place, recognising the unique challenges they face in trying to build up a connection in a specific local area.

The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 requires local Housing Authorities to intervene to prevent and relieve homelessness, with former members of the Regular Armed Forces named as a specific group to be supported. Housing Authorities are required to assist individuals if they are likely to become homeless within 56 days. This applies to all Service personnel leaving Single Living Accommodation or Service Family Accommodation 56 days before their discharge date.

Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 allows Local Authorities to provide help, in the form of temporary accommodation, to applicants who are homeless, eligible, in priority need, not intentionally homeless and who have a local connection with the area in question. Under the Homelessness (Priority Need for Accommodation) (England), Service personnel applying for assistance in England are in priority need if they are ‘vulnerable’ as a result of having been in the Services.

The Homelessness Code of Guidance states that the following will be considered by a Local Authority when deciding if an applicant from the Services is vulnerable:

  • how long the individual has been in the Armed Forces
  • type of Service
  • any time spent in a military hospital
  • whether the Armed Forces medical and/or welfare advisers consider the person is vulnerable
  • how long it has been since the person left the Armed Forces
  • what support networks are available

It is really important when asking for special consideration as part of your homelessness application that you:

  • make it clear to the Housing Officer that you are asking for special consideration under the Armed Forces Covenant
  • explain how your experiences in service have resulted in you becoming vulnerable
  • explain your specific medical needs, whether physical or mental health, as this may help them to find you suitable accommodation
  • provide any original documentation you may have from Defence Medical Services, the MOD or NHS to support your application. This will include your service number and branch of service
  • provide details of any support agencies such as SSAFA, the Royal British Legion or Veterans Contact Point who may be supporting you.

You can have someone to support you during a homelessness application. This can be an advocate from a support agency, or a member of your family, or a friend and if you need a break from the assessment say so.

Please note – special consideration can only be asked for and is assessed on a case by case basis. It is not a right or automatic entitlement.

Further support:

  • Op FORTITUDE is the pathway for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness into supported housing or to keep them in their current home.
  • The Royal British Legion also have a dedicated section of housing advice and information for veterans seeking support.
  • SPACES – Single Persons Accommodation Centre for Ex-Services. Provided by Riverside, provides a national network of supported housing options for veterans who have a range of needs.
  • Homeless Link provides a search facility to identify local homeless services.
  • Shelter: Homeless Ex-Armed Forces can provide advice and information for those who are ex-Armed Forces as well as specific information on homelessness.
  • Veterans Aid provides immediate, practical support to all ex-servicemen and women who have served in HM Armed Forces who are homeless, facing homelessness or in crisis.

Veteran specific services in Lancashire

Healthier Heroes CIC run a veteran specific programme called - UNITE as one, INSPIRE one another, BELIEVE anything is possible. This programme aims to rehome veterans by providing supported accommodation within their Bancroft House location in Burnley and to rehabilitate and reconnect veterans and their families regardless of when they left the services. They also support veterans from the criminal justice system, using a peer mentoring programme to help them rebuild their lives and find jobs. With their combined lived experience and person led approach to the programme, they strive to help veterans and their families overcome barriers that restrict their lives.

Armed Forces HQ in Wigan operate a veteran specific housing advice project called Homes at Ease. They can assist veterans to maintain their existing housing or look for new housing options. They have a housing support officer who covers Lancashire and can be reached by calling 01942 821293 or emailing info@armedforceshq.org.uk

Creating Change Housing Management has a supported housing offer in Preston and Blackpool, they are not veteran specific but have some experience in dealing with military veterans.