Ministry of Defence - Veterans UK
The Ministry of Defence - Veterans UK helpline provides assistance with benefits, housing, welfare, pensions, and compensation schemes for veterans and their families, including those living overseas. Common reasons for calling include inquiries about veteran benefits and emotional support referrals. The helpline operates during business hours for general inquiries, while emotional support is available after hours through a referral to The Samaritans. Wait times can vary, but calling during non-peak hours may reduce delays. For complex issues, especially those involving overseas support, coordination with local charities is often recommended.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Assist with benefit claims
- Provide housing information
- Guide on welfare support
- Explain pension schemes
- Refer to emotional support
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Veteran status
- Personal details
- Contact information
- Nature of inquiry
- Relevant documents
- Family member details
Known issues
A common issue faced by callers is the limited expertise of the Veterans Welfare Service in providing country-specific support for those living overseas. This can occasionally lead to referrals to local ex-Service or charitable organizations, such as the Royal British Legion, for more tailored assistance. To address this, Veterans UK often collaborates with local charities to ensure veterans receive the necessary support. It's advisable to have all relevant personal and veteran status information ready to facilitate the process. For immediate emotional support, callers are referred to The Samaritans after hours.
