Armed Forces Support

Support for Serving Personnel and their families

There are several initiatives as part of the Armed Forces Covenant designed to provide support for serving personnel and their families.

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) armed forces charity has produced an "Additional needs and disability: a guide for service families" publication which includes a directory of support across all three services.

There is a 'A to Z' about working, jobs and pensions for armed forces on the Government website. 

Here are some real life examples of how the armed forces covenant can help:

The Army Families Federation (AFF) is the independent voice of Army families and works hard to improve the quality of life for Army families worldwide on any aspect that is affected by the Army lifestyle. Its role is to highlight problems to the ‘chain of command’ or service providers, and to work with them and other agencies to improve the support they provide to Service families.

The Naval Families Federation (NFF) seeks to ensure naval families are heard by those in positions of power; feel valued and be treated with fairness and respect; and thrive in their communities of choice. They provide a number of services to help and support those serving in the Navy and their families.

RAF Families Federation (RAF FF) represents the concerns of RAF personnel and their families (spouses, partners, parents, grandparents, children, siblings) to senior RAF, MOD staff and ministers. They provide a number of services to help and support those serving in the RAF and their families.

Blue Badge Scheme - You may be eligible for a Blue Badge if you are a disabled veteran or a member of the Armed Forces.

If you are currenty in the Armed Forces and are no longer resident the UK, you or a member of your household can apply to the Ministry of Defence for a blue badge. If you've kept your UK residency, you should apply to your local authority.

For more information about the war disablement pension, see Pension and compensation schemes for the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

For more information about eligiblilty for the Blue Badge scheme, see