Care for UK veterans — additional support you may be entitled to
UK military veterans may be entitled to additional care and financial support beyond the standard NHS and local authority provision — including enhanced care funding, priority NHS treatment, and support from specialist veteran charities. Many veterans and their families are unaware of what they can claim.
What additional care support is available to veterans?
Veterans have access to a parallel ecosystem of support that runs alongside ordinary NHS and local authority services. This includes War Pension Scheme payments for service-related conditions, priority NHS treatment, and access to charity-funded care homes, residential services, and welfare grants. The cumulative effect can be substantial — particularly for veterans whose health conditions are linked to service.
Veterans UK and the MOD welfare service
Veterans UK is the Ministry of Defence agency responsible for War Pensions, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, and welfare support for veterans and their families. They run a free helpline and can signpost to local welfare services and grants.
Priority NHS treatment for veterans — what it covers
Veterans are entitled to priority NHS treatment for conditions that may be related to their service. To benefit, the veteran must tell their GP about their service history and ask the practice to record it. The GP can then mark referrals as priority where appropriate.
War Pension Scheme and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Veterans whose health has been affected by service before 6 April 2005 may claim under the War Pension Scheme. Conditions arising from service after that date are covered by the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Both schemes can pay lump sums and ongoing income, and the first portion of weekly War Pension income is disregarded from the local authority means test for care charges.
Veteran-specific care homes and nursing homes
Several charities run dedicated care homes for veterans, including the Royal British Legion, SSAFA, and the Royal Star and Garter. These homes prioritise veterans and their spouses, often with subsidised fees and a strong sense of community.
Combat Stress and mental health support for veterans
Combat Stress is the UK's leading mental health charity for veterans, offering specialist treatment for PTSD, depression, and anxiety related to service. Treatment is free for eligible veterans.
Royal British Legion care and support services
The Royal British Legion provides one-off welfare grants, ongoing financial support, advocacy, and legal advice for veterans and their families navigating the care and benefits system. Their free advice line is the best starting point.
SSAFA — Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association
SSAFA provides one-to-one welfare casework, financial assistance for adaptations and care equipment, and emergency support to veterans and serving personnel. Many local SSAFA branches operate volunteer visiting services for older veterans.
How to access veteran-specific funding alongside NHS CHC
Veteran-specific funding sits alongside, not instead of, mainstream entitlements. A veteran can simultaneously receive NHS Continuing Healthcare, a War Pension, and charity grants — provided each is properly applied for. Make sure assessment teams are aware of all income sources so the means test is calculated correctly. Read our CHC guide →