Ex-services organisations

The following list of charities form a huge interconnected network of support organisations. These organisations co-ordinate their efforts to relieve any financial distress suffered by current and former members of the armed services as best they can. Seafarers UK also provides financial help to others who made their living at sea, such as merchant seamen and fishermen.

There are others. Ask for this book in your local library. It provides a more complete list - 

A guide to grants for individuals in need 2010-2011
Catriona Chronnell and Sarah Johnston
Published by the Directory of Social Change, 12th edition, 28 March 2011
ISBN 1 90 629 4488

SSAFA Forces Help provides a range of services including financial support, practical support, emotional support, and advice to anyone who has served in HM Forces, even if only for a single day, as well as their families. Members of the Territorial Army may apply but they must have completed a minimum period of service.

SSAFA can arrange small financial supplements, funding for the purchase of wheelchairs or major equipment such as stair lifts, and may even cover the cost of medical treatment abroad. When you apply you are assigned your own personal case worker. Your case worker will often try to raise the money you need from a number of sources. 

Because each case is considered individually, there are no hard and fast rules governing support in relation to your financial status. You may possess capital, but if this is accounted for in care costs, then supplementary financial support can still be arranged by SSAFA. Every application is considered on merit. Applications can be made directly to

SSAFA
19 Queen Elizabeth Street,
London,
SE1 2LP
Phone: 0845 1300975
Email: info@ssafa.org.uk
Website: www.ssafa.org.uk

Financial support and information for all ex-servicemen and women and their dependants in need. The Royal British Legion may offer financial support for immediate needs, such as household equipment, funeral costs or moving for example. It also has a loans scheme for ex-service people who need to fund essential repairs on their property. The British Legion website has lots of information about convalescent facilities, residential homes, employment opportunities, housing and medical support and sheltered housing.

To be eligible you need to be a current or former member of the armed forces or their dependant. This includes the Territorial Army. You only need to have received 7 days pay, although length of service may affect the amount of support you receive. Apply for support through local branches of the Royal British Legion. For your local branch contact

The Royal British Legion Information Line (Legionline)
Phone: 08457 725 725 (Mon to Fri, 10am to 4pm)
Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk

This organisation provide a range of financial and practical support. The Fund can help with care home fees and day to day living expenses, particularly for people who are retired or have long term illness or disability.  They will give advice on debt, benefits and managing finances.  Eligibility is limited to current and former RAF and WRAF personnel and their dependants. The Fund must be satisfied that you have claimed all state benefits due to you and that the additional help of the Fund is necessary to relieve any suffering or distress.

Serving personnel should contact their Flight Commander or Chief Clerk, who will arrange the application. Former personnel should call the support line or apply in writing or online at http://www.rafbf.org/contact/apply-for-help.htm.

RAF Benevolent Fund
12, Park Crescent
London
W1B 1PH
Phone: 0207 580 8343
Fax: 020 7636 7005
Freephone: 0800 169 2942 (support line)
Email: mail@rafbr.org.uk
Website: www.rafbf.org.uk

Provides a range of financial and practical support which may include care home fees, medical equipment, and modifications to property in order to accommodate disability. Funds are also available for private medical treatment should National Health Service care be delayed. Eligibility is limited to serving and retired officers of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, QARNNS, WRNS and the Reserves and their dependents.  You must have financial difficulties for reasons beyond your control to qualify for help. Applications should be made direct to ARNO.

Association of Royal Navy Officers (ARNO),
70 Porchester Terrace
Bayswater
London
W2 3TP
Phone: 020 7402 5231 (Mon to Thur, 9am to 4.30pm)
Website: www.arno.org.uk
Email: rnoc@arno.org.uk

This charity used to be called the Army Benevolent Fund.  It provides financial help to all soldiers and there families who are in need.  Cover areas such as debt relief, mobility assistance, education bursaries, care home fees and respite breaks. All serving and former army personnel are eligible. Servicemen and women who are still serving apply through their Corps or Regimental Association. Former services personnel should approach the SSAFA (see above) or The Royal British Legion, who will assign them a caseworker who will then approach The Soldier's Charity.

ABF The Soldier's Charity
Mountbarrow House
6-20 Elizabeth Street
London
SW1W 9RB
Phone: 0845 241 4820
Fax: 0845 241 4821
Website: www.soldierscharity.org

Provides financial and practical support, for example by small grants to help with bills. The fund also provide retraining grants and small business loans. offers some sheltered employment for disabled ex-servicemen. Eligibility is limited to all former servicemen, their widows and dependants who are resident in Scotland at the time of your application (you don't have to be Scottish).

Poppyscotland
New Haig House,
Logie Green Road,
Edinburgh,
EH7 4HR
Phone: 0131 557 5819

Support line: 0131 550 1557
Email: GetHelp@poppyscotland.org.uk
Website: www.poppyscotland.org.uk