Financial Recognition and other restorative measures for LGBT veterans
The Government announced the launch of the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, alongside the implementation of two further non-financial restorative measures on 12 December 2024.
John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence said: “The historic treatment of LGBT Veterans was a moral stain on our nation. Our government is determined to right the wrongs of the past and recognise the hurt that too many endured.
“We have listened to Veterans and will continue to deliver against the recommendations set out in the Etherton review. We will continue to support our Veterans as we work to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.
“This work was rightly started by the previous government and will be taken forward and delivered by this government.”
What does this mean for anyone affected?
If you, or someone you know, was impacted by the Ban while serving between 1967 and 2000, you/they may be eligible for financial recognition and non-financial restorative measures.
Please visit the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page for more information.
Details of the scheme
You can find detailed information about the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, non-financial restorative measures, how to apply and support available at LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page.
Ministers have announced a 50% increase on the amount available to the Financial Recognition Scheme, up to £75m, after hearing the concerns of the Veterans. There are two payments available under the Scheme – a flat-rate payment of £50,000 for those dismissed or discharged due to the Ban, and a further impact payment of up to £20,000 which is open to all those affected while serving during the Ban.
The Government has also ensured that payments will be exempt from income tax and will not affect means-tested benefits, guaranteeing eligible applicants receive their full payment.
The announcement of the qualification of administrative discharge and restoration of rank complete the implementation of the 14 non-financial restorative measures recommended by the Etherton Review.
These measures will enable individuals’ service history to be put right, accurately recording the Ban as the reason for discharge, thereby removing any blame or dishonour from Veterans, and restoring the rightful rank of Veterans who had theirs reduced in connection with the Ban.
Veterans who have not already applied for non-financial restorative measures are encouraged to do so through the application form on Gov.uk, details of which are below. Those who have applied and wish to amend their application to include the qualification of administrative discharge and/or the restoration of rank are encouraged to contact LGBT-RestorativeAction@mod.gov.uk.
Support for applicants
To help as many eligible people as possible to apply, the MOD has, through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, awarded £54,900 to Fighting With Pride and £31,500 to the Royal British Legion to support LGBT Veterans with their applications.
For details on how to access this support, visit the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page, where you will also find details of other organisations who may be able to offer support.
How to apply to the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme
You can make your application to the scheme via the Financial Recognition Scheme app, or via an official LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme hard copy application form, obtained from the Veterans UK helpline at veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk, by calling 0808 1914 218 from the UK, or by calling +44 1253 866 043 from overseas.
Applicants are encouraged to take their time applying to the Scheme and have until December 2026 to apply.
The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme App will autosave your application as you go along, so if you need to take a break during your application, the application will be saved for when you come back to it again.