Service Leavers Guide Service Leavers Guide

This booklet has been produced to provide The information in this booklet is not help and advice on a range of topics as you a definitive statement of the law. plan for your transition to civilian life. It aims All contact details were correct at time to give useful information on the sort of help of print (12/2014). It can also be found you can get, who can provide it and the on Defence intranet at: action you need to take. https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/service-leavers-guide

Termination Timeline

Arrange to have final medical at your current unit Arrange dental examination 9 – 6 months Arrange Resettlement interview Arrange assignment to terminating unit if needed (RN only) Arrange move from MOD accommodation on discharge

6 – 3 Make sure your JPA record is accurate months

Attend final medical examination Claim refund of any resettlement fees Contact the mail office with forwarding address Check medical and dental documents are with terminating unit

SubmitIMPORTANT AFPS -application complete and using return JPA self-serviceAFPS Form Pen1 3 – 1 Check unit terminating routine months Get a copy of your Testimonial (Army & RAF) (NCA & GTP) only) Return all appropriate clothing and equipment Leave MOD accommodation Eligible Foreign or Commonwealth personnel subject to immigration control on discharge should apply for leave to remain in the UK up to 10 weeks before discharge date.

Take terminal leave Last Return Armed Forces ID card month Return service stores and record books (if no reserve liability)

3 Contents The Termination Process

The Termination Process Page (including): Medical and Dental 6 JPA Records 7 MOD Accomodation and Terminal Leave 8 Travel Entitlements 9 Resettlement, Jobs and Housing Resettlement 11 The Career Transition Partnership 12 Regional Resettlement Centres 14 Educational Support 15 The Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) 17 Housing Matters Magazine and SPACES 18 XPAX 19 Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits General 21 Armed Forces Pension Schemes 22 Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 (AFPS 75) 24 Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2005 (AFPS 05) 25 Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (AFPS15) 26 Pension Contacts 27 Reserve Forces Pension Schemes 28 Reserve Forces Pension Scheme 05 (RFPS 05) 28 Veterans and Compensation 30 Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) 31 Dependant’s Fund & Dependant’s (Income) Trust 32 Other Sources of Help-State and Service Charities General 34 Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) 34 Confederation of Service Charities 35 Service Charities 36 Financial Help 37 Health Issues 38 Big White Wall 39 SSAFA 40 42 Poppyscotland 44 Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) 45 Reserve Forces and Cadets Reserve Liability 47 Defence Discount Service 50 Royal Reserves 52 Reserve 54 Army Reserve 56 RAF Reserve 58 Cadet Forces 60 SaBRE 62 Enclosed in Folder Consent for Release of Personal Details to Charities Form. General

Before you leave, there are a number of Important Your JPA Record Mail important procedures to follow. To help you to make the necessary arrangements in the Do not forget – you will need to register with It is important that you keep your JPA record You must remember to give your discharging short time available, we have provided a a GP and a dentist wherever you settle after up to date, especially during the months unit’s mail office a forwarding address. If you timeline of events, which is enclosed in the you leave. leading up to your termination date. live in Service Families Accommodation (SFA) folder and appears on page 3 of this booklet. Information from your JPA record is used we recommend you use the Post Office You will need to complete a Family for a number of different things including; redirect service. You can get more doctor services registration (GMS1) pension payments, delivery of your information about this from any Terminating Routine to register, this is available from any Certificate of Service, Veterans Badge, Post Office or visit: www.royalmail.com All units have their own terminating routine. GP surgery or online. P45 and will form (if held). They will give you details of what is expected Personal References of you at unit level and you should follow that As a veteran you will be entitled to priority You are able to change some of the details direction in conjunction with the advice given access to NHS secondary care for any yourself whilst others require the assistance If you would like a personal reference your in this guide. conditions which may be related to your of a HR Admin. You must update your line manager, without obligation, may be service, whether you receive a war permanent home address details with your/ able to provide you with one. You must Medical and Dental disablement pension or Armed Forces any new post termination address, this is vital arrange it yourself, please allow plenty Compensation Scheme payment or not. as your P45 and all other post termination of time. A full medical examination is required This is subject to the clinical needs of all paperwork will be sent to this address. before you leave; this should be carried out patients – make sure your GP knows you This is not the same action as “update post Security approximately 3 months before your last day are a veteran.* discharge contact details” mentioned on of service. If you have travel plans remember to check page 12 of this guide. Once you have with your security staff. This applies for For those Subject to changed your permanent home address, 2 years from your termination date, unless If you do not attend your Release Medical ask your Unit HR Admin to annotate this before starting your Terminal Leave your Immigration Control you have DV clearance, in which case it address as your “Primary Address” on JPA. applies for 5 years. termination date may be delayed. Seek guidance in order to ensure that If you are unsure about any of this, you applications for Settlement/Leave to should approach your HR Admin Should you wish to have a final dental check Service Clothing and Equipment Remain in the UK are made in good without delay. up you should arrange an appointment at a time to enable access to public funds, These must be returned before you start Defence Dental Services (DDS) dental centre housing assistance and eligibility to You can access your Statement of your terminal leave, but you will retain 6 to 9 months prior to completion of service. work upon discharge. Earnings via the Internet, through some items if you have a Reserve Liability. the Defence Gateway site: www.defencegateway.mod.uk

*These arrangements do not cover Northern Ireland, where the aim is that all patients should have access to treatment within a reasonable timescale.

6 Service Leavers Guide | The Termination Process Service Leavers Guide | The Termination Process 7 Leaving MOD Accommodation Armed Forces Act 06 Travel Entitlements Occupants of Single Living Accommodation You are subject to the Armed Forces Act 06 on Termination (SLA) should make arrangements to hand until your termination date. Once you have If you terminate at your own request, travel accommodation back. If you live in Service left the Service you can still be charged with expenses to your civilian address will not Families Accommodation (SFA) your any offence committed against the Act while be paid unless you have more than accommodation charges may go up if you were still serving, provided this takes 4 years service. you do not move out. Make sure you notify place within six months of your termination Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) date. For the purposes of any disciplinary The amount you can claim will depend on of your termination date. action you will be treated as an ex-Regular your country of attestation and where you and will be tried by Court Martial. are serving at termination. Once you know Terminal Leave your termination date, and where you will be travelling to, your termination unit If you have completed your training and Re-Entry After Your HR admin staff will be able to give you served over 6 months, you will be entitled to Termination Date more information. terminal leave. You will get one day for each If you want to re-enter the Services after You should make sure you submit all claims completed month of reckonable service up your termination date you should apply to Applications for travel should normally be to unit HR admin staff before going on to a maximum of 20 days. an Armed Forces Careers Office. arranged through your unit HR admin staff terminal leave. Payments will be made Re-entry will depend on your past record, and unit travel office. They must give through JPA direct to your account. (Please Terminal leave is the same as any other leave an interview and current vacancies. approval before any arrangements note – all claims may be subject to audit so, but you are free to take up paid civilian are made. to avoid any delays, provide copies of employment during this time. If you re-enter soon after leaving you may be receipts.) The form can be downloaded able to re-join in the same rate or rank held Claims for motor mileage allowance (MMA), from the JPA Portal. If you are admitted to hospital during your on termination. Your previous Regular actual public transport costs or additional terminal leave make sure that your family, reckonable service may count towards fees should be made on JPA Form F016. friends, or the hospital staff contact your unit seniority, pay and pension. to let them know the nature of your illness or injury and the length of time you expect to be in hospital. Your last day of service may be extended to cover the period you are an in-patient.

8 Service Leavers Guide | The Termination Process Service Leavers Guide | The Termination Process 9 Resettlement, Jobs and Housing

Resettlement Personnel who have served more than 4 years are entitled to support from the CTP The Tri-Service Resettlement Policy can be and access to a range of career preparation found in JSP534 and JSP575. and job finding support.

You are responsible for dealing with There are 3 tiers of resettlement. your resettlement arrangements and, ideally, The first line is your unit Resettlement you will have started the Resettlement Information Office which offers you advice process already by having made contact with on your entitlement and the administrative your Service Resettlement Adviser (SRA). process to access it.

All personnel are entitled to resettlement The second line involves the SRA who support, consisting of time, financial support, will give advice and guidance on the and training/upskilling, and career advice. resettlement package that will best The amounts of support depends on your suit you. length of Service and your reasons for discharge. The third line is provided by the CTP. When you have completed 4 years service you Personnel who have served 4 years or less become entitled to a range of support under are entitled to join the Future Horizons the Employment Support Programme (ESP) Programme, provided by the Career which is further expanded on completion of Transition Partnership (CTP), which offers 6 years service to the Full Resettlement referral to tackle any barriers to employment, Programme (FRP), the range of support and a post-discharge tracking service to includes: individual career advice, transition ensure personnel gain a route into workshops and briefings on topics including sustainable employment, education or interview techniques, self employment, further training after leaving. access to the CTP’s job finding service ‘RightJob’, as well as funding for travel and subsistence.

Darren Bickerstaffe Tel: 07428 705 770 Programme Manager Email: [email protected]

Service Leavers Guide | Resettlement, Jobs and Housing 11 The Career Transition Partnership

The Career Transition When you attend a Career Transition The Armed Forces equips its employees with a high quality, no cost recruitment service and Partnership (CTP) Workshop at your local Regional Resettlement a vast range of skills applicable to many access to thousands of skilled and qualified is a partnering Centre (RRC, see page 14), or register for industry sectors and the CTP targets a wide individuals. Most recently, the CTP recruitment agreement between Job Finding Support with your nearest range of employers to promote the skills, service is being used by organisations such the Ministry of Employment Consultant, you will be given experience and strong work ethos Service as Tesco, BAE Systems, Barclays, Openreach, Defence and Right instructions on how to register. leavers bring with them after a military career. Jaguar Land Rover and Amazon, plus Management Ltd, The employers themselves gain many more. who are global The CTP will aim to establish the type of job career development you are looking for, your salary expectations and outplacement and where you wish to work. This will be fed specialists and part of the ManpowerGroup. into the CTP job matching database.

The CTP provides advice, guidance, training Finding suitable jobs for the database and support to those leaving the military, and matching Service leavers with the and also incorporates two ex-Service requirements of employers is a continuous charities: the Regular Forces Employment process undertaken by the CTP Association (RFEA) and Officers’ Association Employment Team. (OA), who provide job finding support to Service leavers up to two years post- From creating a CV through to learning discharge and beyond. interview skills plus researching and applying for jobs, what the CTP offers can help you not How the Job Finding just with your first civilian job, but throughout your working lifetime. Employment Service Works Consultants work closely with local, national RightJob is the CTP’s online job finding and international organisations to source and service that lists thousands of live vacancies match suitable job vacancies for Service for Service leavers, with new ones being leavers, and all new vacancies are uploaded added every day. You can browse and search to RightJob. You’ll receive regular job alerts for available jobs by Industry, Location or based on the preferences listed in your online Company Name, receive job notifications profile, plus employers and Employment and alerts via email and submit job Consultants can also search the database for applications directly to employers. The Service leavers with the skills they’re looking website is easy to use and compatible for, and notify them of current vacancies. with smartphones and tablets, plus you’ll find video tips to highlight features on The jobs on the database include all trades, all key areas of the site. grades, levels and functions, in all sectors of London – CTP HQ RFEA commerce, industry, charities and the public Mezzanine Floor Tel: 0845 873 7165 sector. You will also be able to access jobs 75 King William Street, Tel: 0121 236 0058 beyond the UK through this database. London. EC4N 7BE Web: www.rfea.org.uk

Senior Officers should contact this office. The Officers Association All other personnel contact Tel: 020 7808 4160 RRC Northolt. Tel (Benevolence): 0845 873 7153 Web: www.officersassociation.org.uk Tel: 0207 469 6661 Email: [email protected] Address for RFEA or Officers Association: Web: www.ctp.org.uk First floor, Mountbarrow House, 6-20 Elizabeth Street, London. SW1W 9RB

12 Service Leavers Guide | Resettlement, Jobs and Housing Service Leavers Guide | Resettlement, Jobs and Housing 13 Regional Resettlement Centres Educational Support

To book your Career Transition Workshop please call the CTP’s central bookings team on The Armed Forces Learning Credits Scheme 0203 162 4410. Alternatively, please contact the Regional Resettlement Centre (RRC) helps support personal development. closest to where you are based, using the details listed below. Standard Learning Credits (SLC) fund small- scale learning whilst Enhanced Learning RRC Aldergrove RRC Northolt Credits (ELC) are designed to provide help Building 33, Alexander Barracks, Regional Resettlement Centre, towards the cost of gaining further or higher RAF Aldergrove. BFPO 808 Force Development Centre, RAF Northolt, education qualification. During your service Tel: 02894 421 638 Mil. Tel: 9491 31639 West End Road, Ruislip, Middlesex. HA4 6NG you may have registered for and made use Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 of ELC which you can continue to claim for Mil. Tel: 95233 6063/6064 up to 10 years after your termination date. RRC Aldershot Email: [email protected] To help optimise financial support for Service Wellington House, St Omer Barracks, Aldershot, leavers SLC or ELC can also be combined Hants. GU11 2BG RRC Plymouth with the Individual Resettlement Training Tel: 01252 348336/9 Regional Resettlement Centre, Building SO27A, Help and Advice Mil. Tel: 94222 3336/3339 Granby Gate, HMNB Devonport, Plymouth, Cost (IRTC) grant to pay towards the cost Email: [email protected] Devon. PL2 2BG of tuition fees. If using ELC the learning must For general enquiries about the learning Tel: 01752 553376/93 lead to a nationally recognised qualification credit schemes, your eligibility and the RRC Catterick Mil. Tel: 9375 53376/93 at Level 3 or above (or national equivalent) qualifications you wish to study seek advice St Aidans Road, Catterick Garrison, Email: [email protected] on the National Qualification Framework/ from your single Service education/learning North Yorkshire. DL9 3AY Qualifications and Credit Framework and and resettlement adviser, not ELCAS. Tel: 01748 872922 Mil. Tel: 94731 2930 RRC Portsmouth the course provider must be on the ELC The ELCAS role is to administer your Email: [email protected] Rodney Block, HMS Nelson, Administration Service (ELCAS) approved list. application, not provide advice and Portsmouth. PO1 3HH guidance on your eligibility or education RRC Cottesmore Mil. Tel: 9380 24130 Additionally, Service leavers who are or resettlement needs. Email: [email protected] Kendrew Barracks, Oakham, ELC registered and have completed the Rutland. LE15 7BL appropriate qualifying years of service, will Tel: 01572 812241 Ext: 7716 RRC Rosyth Mil. Tel: 95341 7116 Building 3016, HMS Caledonia, have the opportunity to access a first full SO3C Resettlement, Floor 3, Leach Building, Email: [email protected] Rosyth, Fife. KY11 2XH Level 3 qualification (equivalent to two GCE Whale Island, Portsmouth. PO2 8BY Tel: 01383 425086 Mil. Tel: 9335 65086 A levels or vocational equivalent), or a first Tel: 02392 625954 RRC Herford Email: [email protected] higher education qualification (a foundation Email: [email protected] Block 1, Hammersmith Barracks, Germany. BFPO 15 degree or first undergraduate degree or Mil. Tel: 94882 3388 RRC Tidworth national equivalent) free from tuition fees Those personnel still serving in the Royal Email: [email protected] Jellalabad Barracks, North Tidworthm, under the Publicly Funded Further Education Navy are not to use this point of contact but Hampshire. SP9 7BQ and Higher Education (PF FEHE) scheme. are to consult the staff in their local RN Tel: 01980 602689 Mil.Tel: 94342 2689 This scheme commenced for Service leavers Education Centre. Email: [email protected] 6 Apr 09. An approved learning provider must be used. Army

Full details of the ELC and PF FEHE schemes Army HQ DEdCap, Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager and the state subsidy to pay towards the full Zone 4, Floor 2 Ramillies Building, HQLF, cost of tuition fees can be found on the Monxton Road, Andover. SP11 8HT ELCAS website: Tel: 01264 381565 or 01264 381580 www.enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk from Email: [email protected] where you can also download a claim form. The website provides links to the full policy Those personnel still serving in the and the documents needed to support Army are not to use this point of contact your application, prove your identify and but are to consult staff in their Army your period of service. Education Centre.

14 Service Leavers Guide | Resettlement, Jobs and Housing Service Leavers Guide | Resettlement, Jobs and Housing 15 The Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO)

Royal Air Force Extra non repayable help is available for What is the JSHAO? students in specific circumstances, for Learning Credits Administrator, The JSHAO is a Tri-Service focal point for example for students with a disability, 22 (Trg) Gp, Rm 227, Trenchard Hall, civilian housing information for Service and for childcare. RAFC Cranwell, Sleaford, Lincs. NG34 8HB Personnel and their families wishing to move Tel: 01400 268183 to civilian accommodation at any point in Email: [email protected] Similar help is available for students living elsewhere in the UK. their career, and provides housing advice to those during Armed Forces Resettlement to Claimants are encouraged to refer to the assist the transition to civilian life. Delivered RAF Learning Forces website for further For further information: through briefings, Housing Matters information. Service leavers in their • If you live in England contact magazine publication, and one to one to help you if you are looking for Social resettlement phase are to consult the Student Finance England: consultations. JSHAO also manages the Housing on leaving the Service. staff in their local Learning Centre. www.gov.uk/student-finance MoD Referral Scheme supporting Social We have developed links with Local • If you live in Scotland contact the Housing in conjunction with Local Authorities and Housing Associations within Other Routes to National Student Awards Agency for Scotland: Authorities and their Agents. the UK, who have available housing they Further and Higher www.saas.gov.uk wish to be specifically allocated to Service Educational Support • If you live in Wales contact Housing Briefings Personnel. Applications should be made Student Finance Wales: within 6 months of your date of discharge As well as the support for tuition fees www.studentfinancewales.co.uk Civilian Housing Briefings are held at to the JSHAO; you will then be contacted through the Enhanced Learning Credits Regional Resettlement Centres in the UK if a suitable property becomes available in • If you live in Northern Ireland contact Scheme, there is separate Government and Education Centres in Germany and your chosen area. We cannot guarantee that Student Finance Northern Ireland: financial help towards living costs for Cyprus. Applications to attend any briefings accommodation will become available, or www.studentfinanceni.co.uk students wishing to study for their first HE from those in Resettlement should be made that applicants will be housed through qualification. The amount and type on JPA, with others using MoD form 363 to the scheme. of help is different depending on whether the relevant Regional Resettlement you live in England, Scotland, Wales or Centre responsible. For more information and application forms Northern Ireland, and will also depend on visit the JSHAO website or call the office your household income and where you These 1/2 day briefs are designed to give you and ask to speak to the MoD Referral decide to study. the information to help you make informed Scheme Coordinator. choices on your civilian housing. While these For students living in England the help is in briefings are normally attended in the last Affordable Housing Options the form of a loan, which needs to be paid 2 years of Service, any Service Personnel back when you have left university and are and/or their partner is welcome to attend Service Personnel (and ex service personnel earning over £21,000 per year, and a grant at any stage of their Service. The dates of the within 12 months of discharge) have priority (which you do not need to pay back). briefings are widely advertised in Units and status with regard to government affordable details are available from Unit Welfare staff, housing initiatives. Schemes include Forces CTP website or contacting JSHAO. Help to Buy, shared ownership, shared equity loans and the mortgage guarantee scheme. The MoD Referral Scheme For more information on the current FLEET-FOST-TE EL3R RESET SO3C Learning Credits Administrator government housing schemes and MoD Floor 3, Leach Building, Whale Island, 22 (Trg) Gp Rm 227 Trenchard Hall, The JSHAO runs the Ministry of Defence funded initiatives available, please contact Portsmouth. PO2 8BY RAFC Cranwell, Referral Scheme. This scheme may be able the JSHAO. Tel: 02392 625954 Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 8HB Tel: 01400 268183 Joint Service Housing Advice Office HQLF, DETS (A), ECL Manager Montgomery House, Hammersley Barracks, Zone 4, Floor 2 Ramillies Building, HQLF, Queens Avenue, Aldershot. GU11 2JN Monxton Road, Andover. SP11 8HT Tel: Mil: 94222 7574 Civ: 01252 787574 Tel: 01264 381565 or 01264 381580 Email: [email protected] Web: www.gov.uk/housing-for-service-personnel-and-families

16 Service Leavers Guide | Resettlement, Jobs and Housing Service Leavers Guide | Resettlement, Jobs and Housing 17 Housing Matters Magazine SSAFA – Forces help Ten months a year the JSHAO produces SSAFA is a national charity helping veterans the Housing Matters magazine which has and their dependants on a range of welfare a worldwide distribution of 10,000 copies issues including housing. It offers impartial per month. Each month the magazine advice on a range of housing options. focuses on a particular within the UK, it also contains information and articles Haig Housing designed to help you when you are considering your civilian housing. Copies A Charitable Housing Trust for ex-Service should be easily available within your Unit personnel and their dependants, offering or if you want your own copy please ring family homes to let at affordable rents and the JSHAO. The magazines are also available is the strategic housing partner on the internet: for www.gov.uk/government/collections/ There are a number of other organisations housing-matters-magazine that exclusively help Service leavers and veterans with accommodation. For more Single Person information please contact JSHAO for details. Accommodation Centre for the Ex-Services (SPACES) If you are single and about to be discharged SPACES may be able to help you find somewhere to live, they are a housing placement service for single personnel. SPACES is tasked by the MoD to help assist single Service Leavers to find suitable housing, they work with all Service Personnel regardless of rank and length of service, in addition they make all referrals to the single persons accommodation available at The Beacon in Catterick and Mike Jackson House in Aldershot.

SPACES is managed by ECHG, SPACES Regional Resettlement Centre part of The Riverside Group, The Beacon, SPACES Office, Marne Road, working with the JSHAO. Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. DL9 3AU Tel: 01748 833797 or 830191 Email: [email protected]

SSAFA Haig Homes Tel (civilian): 01722 436400 Alban Dobson House, Green Lane Military: 94331 2400 Morden, Surrey. SM4 5NS Web: www.ssafa.org.uk Tel: 020 8685 5777 Email: [email protected] Web: www.haighomes.org.uk

[email protected] 18 Service Leavers Guide | Resettlement, Jobs and Housing www.paxinsurance.co.uk Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits General

Pay Entitlement If your service is terminated from an overseas unit and want to be paid to an You will be paid up to and including your overseas account, you must have the local date of termination. Before the beginning CO’s approval, be emigrating to an overseas of the month in which you are due to non EU country and accept liability for all terminate, or the start of your termination bank charges and adverse currency leave, you must contact your unit HR Admin conversion rates. staff to make sure your allowance entitlements are stopped on the correct Only one P45 will be issued to dates. If there is not enough money available, your primary address on JPA. arrangements for recovery will be made following your termination. Payment of Final Balance Any overpayments or other Service debts Your final pay will be forwarded on the will be deducted from your final pay and/or payday of the month of termination once terminal benefits, where possible. If there any outstanding debts or overpayments are insufficient funds in the final pay and/or have been recovered. terminal benefits you will be contacted after your discharge regarding repayment of the If you have any questions about your final monies owed. Any overpayments identified pay and allowances, please contact: after your final pay and/or terminal benefits have been processed will also be recovered. Defence Business Services Military Personnel MP 355, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, . G2 8EX Address and Bank Tel: 0800 085 3600 Account Information Questions about income tax payments All monies will be paid into the account used should be directed to your local revenue for your monthly pay unless you change the enquiry office, go to: www.hmrc.gov.uk for details on JPA. Any future correspondence further information. will be sent to your nominated address. You can change your address and/or account details on JPA online if you have access, State Benefits otherwise your Unit HR Admin can make For Pension forecasts or information and the changes for you. advice about any other state benefits go to: www.gov.uk

20 Service Leavers Guide | Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits 21 Armed Forces Pension Schemes

These Guidance Notes are intended to give your medical discharge but have applied to You may have exceeded your in-year AA You should also report any relevant change you a very brief summary of the Armed aggregate a previous preserved pension If you have been: in your circumstances to them. Forces Pension Schemes. Please read them award you will be entitled to AFPS 05 ill before you submit an AFPS application health benefits. • Promoted from a lower to higher pay Payment of Terminal Benefits scale (AFPS05); using JPA self-service. and Pension Further Information • Promoted at 15-16 year point for officers; Payment will be made within 30 days of New Armed Forces Pension Further information regarding aggregation • Promoted at 21-22 year point for ORs; Scheme (2015) your termination date, providing Veterans and how it may affect your pension benefits • Moved on to the Professional Aviator UK have all the correct forms and other A new AFPS will be introduced from April paid on your discharge (EDP, Resettlement Spine (PAS); information needed. 2015. If you leave before this date your Grant, Redundancy Compensation lump • Promoted Early (AFPS05); sums) can be found in the re-employment Our Pension Paying pension will be completely unaffected. • Moved to higher rate of pension booklet (MMP/116) which can be found at: If you leave after this date and have supplement for personnel; Agent (PPA) Transitional Protection your pension will still GOV.UK by searching for; Armed forces and • Commissioned; All pensions are paid monthly in arrears by be unaffected. If you leave after April 2015 reserve forces pension schemes: guidance booklets • Promoted from OF4 or above; Equniti Paymaster. Payment will not be without Transitional Protection you still have made unless an AFPS application is accrued rights and all the pension you will • Accredited as Medical Officer Dental submitted. Please make sure you give clear have earned up to April 2015 is protected, Taxation. Officer (MODO) at OF2 or above; accurate information and it is received by and you will earn new pension under the Changes to Government pension tax policy • Promoted with a length of service in Veterans UK no later than 8 weeks before new scheme. Further details are available at: introduced in 2011 mean that certain excess of 25 years your termination date. https://www.gov.uk/pensions-and- circumstances increase the risk of a small • Purchasing Additional Voluntary compensation-for-veterans#the-future- number of personnel facing a pension tax contributions armed-forces-pension-scheme charge. Most Service Personnel will be If you want information about payments of • Subject to a Pension Sharing Order. unaffected; however, officers at OF4 level your pension, deductions of tax or a change of address or account details you should Information on Aggregation of or above or Service Personnel who have The above list is not exhaustive or exclusive Previous Armed Forces recently had a promotion or a significant contact PPA. Your dependants should also but if any of these events have occurred in contact them in the event of your death. Preserved Pension Awards salary increase may be affected. this or the previous tax year - or if there is any other reason to believe that the AA limit may If you have rejoined the Armed Forces and Leaving in the current tax year? have been exceeded you should contact Disputes and Complaints have a preserved pension award in either Veterans UK to request a pension statement. Veterans UK aim to get things right first time AFPS 75 or AFPS 05 schemes, you are entitled Where a tax charge is incurred, the effect but if you think there has been a mistake, to combine your most recent period of can usually be mitigated by using the DIN 2012DIN01-172: Pension Tax Relief - please let them know. Your complaint will be previous service with your current service. ‘Scheme Pays’ process - but members Annual Allowance Scheme Pays contains full acknowledged within 5 working days of However, if you wish to aggregate you must wishing to exercise this option must elect illustrated details of Pensions Tax and the receipt and a full response will be sent within apply to do so in writing to Veterans UK to do so prior to discharge. Scheme Pays process. 20 working days. If you are not happy with before your termination date as applications the way your complaint is handled, you can cannot be accepted after leaving service. If you are a very senior officer or meet one ask for it to be escalated. The address for Veterans UK can be found or more of the criteria below, you should Helping us to Help You on page 26. contact Veterans UK as soon as possible Pension contact details are listed on page 26. via the contact details on page 26 to request If you ring Veterans UK or PPA you will be These notes are not intended to replace Medical Discharge a pension statement. If you do have a tax asked for your name, service number or PPA the booklet AFPS 75/05 – Your Pension charge, you can only elect “Scheme Pays” reference number and your National Scheme Explained (MMP/106/124), which In order to quality for AFPS 05 ill health to meet the charge whilst still in service. Insurance number. you should have already received. If you benefits you must have a minimum of two don’t yet have a copy, you can view or years qualifying service. If you have under If you want a forecast of pension benefits, download it from the MOD internet or two years reckonable service at the date of have questions about your pension generally intranet. Your unit HR admin staff should or want to apply for payment of your also have a copy. pension, you should contact the JPAC.

22 Service Leavers Guide | Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits Service Leavers Guide | Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits 23 Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 (AFPS 75) Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2005 (AFPS 05)

Your pension benefits are based on rank and reckonable service. If you belong to AFPS 05 you will be entitled amount of pensionable pay you received to pension benefits provided you have at for 365 consecutive days over the last three Full Career (Maximum) eligible for an Immediate Pension, but have least two years qualifying service. years of reckonable service. This service Pension at age 55 completed at least two years reckonable Your benefits are based on your final starts from your first day of paid service in service, you will be entitled to a preserved pensionable pay, that is; the greatest the Armed Forces. If you retire at age 55 with 34 years’ reckonable pension and a terminal grant of three times service (Officer) and 37 years (Other Ranks), your annual pension, which is payable when having served at least 18 years relevant you will be entitled to a full career (maximum) Preserved Pension you reach the age of 60 for service before service*, you will get a tax-free lump sum pension and a lump sum (normally tax-free) 6 April 2006 and at age 65 for service after If you leave the Armed Forces before age 55 and an income paid until age 65, when your of three times the annual rate of pension. 6 April 2006. The terminal grant is normally having completed at least two years’ preserved pension comes into payment with These are your ‘Terminal Benefits’. tax-free. You can have all your benefits paid reckonable service, you will be entitled to a a further lump sum (normally tax-free). at age 60 but they will be actuarially reduced preserved pension and a pension lump Immediate Pension to reflect the early payment. sum (normally tax-free) of three times your Ill-Health Benefits If you have completed 16 years’ reckonable annual pension, which is payable when you If your career is cut short by illness or injury service as an officer, 22 years reckonable Invaliding Pension reach age 65. and you have completed more than two service for other ranks, when you retire, you If your career is cut short by illness or injury years’ qualifying service, you will receive an will be entitled to an Immediate Pension Pension at age 55 (which is not your fault) and you have ill-health award. The amount is based on a and a terminal grant of three times the completed more than two years’ qualifying If you retire at age 55 or over you will be three tier system. For less serious conditions, annual rate of pension. The terminal grant service, you may receive an invaliding entitled to a pension paid immediately and a Tier 1 provides a tax-free lump sum only. If is normally tax-free. pension and a lump sum. If you are pension lump sum (normally tax-free) of you have a serious condition, covered by subsequently awarded either a war pension three times your annual pension. There is no Preserved Pension Tiers 2 and 3, you will receive an ill-health or payment under the Armed Forces further lump sum paid at age 65. pension based on your actual service, plus a If you leave the Armed Forces before Compensation Scheme, your Service Early Departure Scheme tax-free lump sum of three times your annual reaching the point when you become Invaliding Pension will be reviewed. ill health pension. Payments (EDP) Resettlement Grant Death of a Member with If you leave the Armed Forces before age 55, but having reached at least age 40 and If you complete more than 9 years as an No Dependants Officer from age 21 (or date of entry if later) If you are single with no eligible children and or 12 years as an Other Rank from age 18 die in service or with a preserved pension, a Resettlement Grant (or date of entry if later) and leave the Armed Death Benefit lump sum (normally tax-free) The resettlement grant is intended to help Forces with no other immediate benefits, you will be paid to your estate as part of the you adjust to civilian life. You are entitled may qualify for a tax-free resettlement grant assets you leave. to a grant when you leave the Armed to aid your resettlement to civilian life. Forces provided: Note Resettlement and • you have served at least 12 years Spouse’s or civil partner’s benefits cannot be • you are not entitled to any other Life Commutation left by will or awarded to anyone other than immediate payments, e.g. ill-health Resettlement and Life Commutation can a legal spouse or civil partner. A spouse, from pension or EDP only be taken once and the application must whom you are separated but not divorced, be made before the last day of service. retains their entitlement to these benefits, as and: you are not a member of the Reserve Further information can be found at GOV.UK does a civil partner where the relationship Forces Pension Scheme (RFPS) which does has not been legally dissolved. Unmarried not offer a resettlement grant. Dependants’ Benefits partners are not entitled to receive non- attributable benefits. Children’s benefits can * See Armed Forces Early Department Payments Scheme Order 2005 no 437 If you die – either in service or during be paid to a legal guardian. retirement – benefits may be due to your http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/437/contents/made for a definition of “Relevant Service” spouse or civil partner, and also to eligible children born during your service.

24 Service Leavers Guide | Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits Service Leavers Guide | Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits 25 Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (AFPS 15)

The new Armed Forces Pension Scheme already earned to date. This means that for Dependants’ Benefits Making a Nomination will be introduced on 1 April 2015. All service the pension benefits earned under the If you die in service a tax free lump sum of AFPS Form 2 was introduced to give Service personnel who are members of an Armed current schemes, abatement policy will four times pensionable pay will be paid to Personnel the ability to nominate one, or Forces Pension Scheme and who will be be applied. your nominee (see page 18 of Your Pension more than one person or organisation to serving beyond April 2015 will be Reservists Scheme Explained 05 (MMP124). If you die receive their lump sum on death. Although automatically transferred to AFPS 15, unless • From 1 April 2015, members of the Part after leaving service but before your the completion of a Will would add to the they qualify for transitional protection which Time Volunteer Reserves (PTVR) (e.g. the benefits come into payment a tax free lump evidence that Veterans UK would take into is explained in more detail below. , the Royal Marine sum of three times the value of your annual account when establishing an entitlement to Key features of AFPS 15 Reserve, the Army Reserve (formerly the pension will be paid to your nominee. the pension lump sum, the completion of a • Career average revalued earnings TA), the Reserve and the If you die within five years of retirement, a valid nomination form would ensure that (CARE) pension scheme with an Royal Auxiliary Air Force) will become lump sum equivalent to the balance of five entitlement. The form is available for use accrual rate of 1/47th members of the Armed Forces Pension years’ worth of pension will be paid to your both during and after service, however it is • No employee contributions, with no plans Scheme 2015 (AFPS 15) estate (less any pension and lump sum you advisable that on discharge any nominations to introduce contributions in the future • Paid service, including Man Training Days, have already received) If there is no made are reviewed to ensure they are still nomination then the lump sum will go to valid and up-to-date. • Pension benefits accrued by members will count as pensionable pay and will contribute to the individual’s Career your spouse, civil partner or eligible partner. up to the point of transition to the new If you require further information on Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) If you have none of these then it will go to scheme are protected; members will be nominating an individual or organisation to pension pot. The exceptions will be those the estate. able to draw those benefits exactly when receive your lump sum on your death then they had expected to, and those benefits elements of pay that are not pensionable In addition providing you have two years refer to the Your Pension Scheme Explained will be based on the final salary (rank) at for Regulars, such as Recruitment and or more qualifying service when you die and other Benefits On your Discharge the point of exit from the Armed Forces, Retention Payments (RRP) – either in service or after leaving service – Booklet (MMP/124). not the salary (rank) at the point • PTVR will be members of the same pension benefits may be due to your spouse, of transition pension scheme as Regular Service civil partner, eligible partner or your eligible • Normal Pension Age of 60 and a Deferred personnel, thereby making the transition children. See the booklet Family Pension Pension Age linked to the individual’s between Regular and Reserve service Benefits (MMP/126) for more information. State Pension Age much easier. The only significant • Early Departure Payment (EDP) difference will be that service in the Death of a Member with Pension Contacts comprising of a lump sum and regular Reserves will not qualify towards Early monthly income on leaving if SP Departure Payment (EDP) benefits No Dependants Tel (UK only): 0800 0853 600 complete 20 years service and reach age • Reserve Service Personnel will retain the If you are single, with no eligible children Overseas: +44 1412 243 600 40. If leaving before reaching the EDP right, on mobilisation, to opt out of AFPS and die, payments will be made as follows: threshold, the AFPS 15 pension will be Armed Forces Pension Scheme 15 and instead have MOD pay the • In service, a lump sum (normally tax-free) deferred and paid at State Pension Age Veterans UK, MP 480, Kentigern House, required employer contributions into o four times pensionable pay will be paid 65 Brown Street, Glasgow. G2 8EX • Pensions in payment and deferred their own, current, occupational to your nominee or estate as part of the Email: [email protected] benefits to be increased by CPI pension scheme. assets you leave Pension Paying Agent Equiniti Paymaster, • There is no abatement policy under AFPS • After service but before your preserved Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, 15, however, Service Personnel will retain For More Information pension comes into payment, a lump sum Further information about AFPS 15 West Sussex. BN9 6DA accrued rights to the rules their current (normally tax-free) of three times your scheme, in order to protect the pension can be found at GOV.UK Tel: 0845 121 2514 annual preserved pension will be paid to Overseas: +44 1903 768 627 The Forces Pension Society your nominee or estate as part of the Email: [email protected] 68 South Lambeth Road, assets you leave. Your pension stops on London. SW8 1RL death Tel: 020 7820 9988 • Within five years of drawing your pension, a E-mail: [email protected] lump sum equivalent to the balance of five For More Information Web: www.forcespensionsociety.org years’ worth of pension will be paid to your The MMP Booklets are available to view online. estate. Again, your pension stops on death. Visit GOV.UK and search for Armed Forces Pensions.

26 Service Leavers Guide | Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits Service Leavers Guide | Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits 27 Reserve Forces Pension Schemes

There are two Reserve Forces Pension 6 April 2005. It was closed to new entrants Dependants’ Benefits • After service but before your preserved Schemes for members of the Reserve Forces: and those starting new commitments from pension comes into payment, a lump sum Full Time Reserve Service Pension Scheme 6 April 2005. If you die in service a tax free lump sum of (normally tax-free) of three times your 1997 (FTRSPS 97) and the Reserve Forces four times pensionable pay will be paid to annual preserved pension will be paid to Pension Scheme 2005 (RFPS 05). There is also The Non-Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS) your nominee (see page 12 of RFPS Booklet). your nominee or estate as part of the a separate pension and attributable benefits pension scheme, previously under Chapter 9 If you die after leaving service but before assets you leave. Your pension stops scheme for members of the Non Regular of TA Regulations 1978, has been re-stated in your benefits come into payment a tax free on death lump sum of three times the value of your Permanent Staff (NRPS). Schedule 1 of the Defence Council • Within five years of drawing your pension, Regulations and contains no fundamental annual pension will be paid to your nominee. If you die within five years of retirement, a lump sum equivalent to the balance of Full Time Reserve Service Pension Scheme change to the benefits payable. The five years’ worth of pension will be paid 97 (FTRSPS 97) is the scheme applicable to attributable benefits for injury or death a lump sum equivalent to the balance of five years’ worth of pension will be paid to to your estate. Again, your pension stops those who gave Full Time Reserve Service as caused by service have been restated in on death. a member of the Reserve Forces before schedule 2. your estate (less any pension and lump sum you have already received) If there is no nomination then the lump sum will go to Making a Nomination your spouse, civil partner or eligible partner. If you require further information on If you have none of these then it will go to nominating an individual or organisation to Reserve Forces Pension Scheme 05 (RFPS 05) the estate. receive your lump sum on your death then refer to the RFPS Booklet (MMP/146). A In addition providing you have two years or nomination form (AFPS 2) can be found on If you start or re-start a commitment on Full Preserved Pension more qualifying service when you die - either the inside cover of the booklet or by Time Reserve Service (FTRS) terms, including in service or after leaving service - benefits accessing Veterans UK pension forms. Additional Duties Commitment (ADC) terms If you leave the Reserve Forces may be due to your spouse, civil partner, before age 60 you may be entitled to on or after 6 April 2005, you will eligible partner or your eligible children. These notes are not intended to replace the a preserved pension and a pension lump automatically become a member of the See the booklet Family Pension Benefits booklet RFPS 05 – Your Pension Scheme sum (normally tax-free) of three times your RFPS 05. This includes those personnel who (MMP/126) for more information. Explained (MMP/146) which you may have annual pension, which is payable when you change commitments or rank, even if there is already received but check to see if you have reach age 65. There is no qualifying period to no break in service and you were a member Death of a Member with read the most up to date version. Your Unit be entitled to a preserved pension. of FTRS 97. Personnel called out for service No Dependants HR Admin should also have a copy. under section 32, 43, 52, 54, or 56 of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 (or corresponding Ill-Health Benefits If you are single, with no eligible children and die, payments will be section of the Reserve Forces Act 1980) from If your career is cut short by illness or injury made as follows: that date may choose to become members and you are medically discharged having of RFPS 05. completed more than two years’ qualifying • In service, a lump sum (normally tax-free) service, you will receive an ill-health award. of four times pensionable pay will be paid For More Information Your benefits paid to you for each period of The amount is based on a two tier system. to your nominee or estate as part of the The MMP Booklets are available to view online. service are based on reckonable service at If you have a serious condition, covered by assets you leave Visit GOV.UK and search for Armed Forces Pensions. the end of your commitment. Each year is Tiers 1 and 2, you will receive an ill-health worth 1/70th of final pensionable pay that is pension based on your actual service, plus a the greatest amount of pensionable pay you tax-free lump sum of three times your annual received for 365 consecutive days over the ill health pension. last three years of reckonable service for that engagement. You will receive a one off pension lump sum normally tax free of three times your annual pension. This service starts from your first day of paid service in the Reserve Forces.

28 Service Leavers Guide | Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits Service Leavers Guide | Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits 29 Veterans and Compensation The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

We use the term ‘veteran’ to mean all those When to Claim The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme How do I submit a claim? who have served in the UK Armed Forces. (AFCS) provides compensation for any It does not matter how long you served for Claims can be made at any time after leaving injury, illness or death which is caused To make a claim: service. If you are medically discharged, or whether you saw active service. or made worse by your service on or after • You must submit a claim form to Veterans UK will automatically consider 6 April 2005. Veterans UK. You can request a claim a pension without the need for a claim. War Pension Scheme form by contacting the free The AFCS is a no-fault Scheme which means helpline on: 0808 1914 2 18 You can claim a War Disablement Pension How to Claim payment is made without admitting fault. It (Overseas) +44 1253 866 043) or you can if you are no longer serving in the UK Armed is entirely separate from personal accident download the form from the Veterans UK Forces and; You can get a claim form from Veterans UK at the address below; download one from cover, such as PAX or SLI. Therefore, any website or GOV.UK. • you have a condition which was caused the Veterans UK website, or from one of our accident cover that you may already hold is • Veterans UK staff (including its welfare or made worse by your service before recognised agents such as the Royal British not taken into account when determining service) and voluntary organisations 6 April 2005. Legion. If you need any help completing the an AFCS award. can assist you. form call the Veterans-UK Helpline. Who is eligible? • Make sure that you do not try and predict the outcome of a claim-interpreting ALL current and former members of the The Scheme rules also cover those The Claim Process the detail of the Scheme is a job for UK Armed Forces, including Reservists, may who were; the experts. Veterans UK will consider any claim using submit a claim for compensation. You can • injured or disabled through service in evidence from Service and civilian medical claim for any injury or illness which has been • Once a claim has been submitted, the Ulster Defence Regiment (now records. You may be asked to go for a sustained as a result of service. This includes Veterans UK shall inform you in writing known as the Royal Irish Regiment), medical examination. You will be kept Adventurous Training (AT), physical exercise of the outcome. the Home Guard and nursing and informed of the progress on your claim. and organised sport, for example • If you are medically discharged and are auxiliary services Any payment you may receive is tax-free. inter-Service athletics. entitled to an ill health pension from AFPS, • a civil defence volunteer (CDV) Veterans UK will automatically consider disabled through serving as a CDV What happens if I do not agree What type of awards can I get? your case without the need for a claim. • a civilian disabled as a result of enemy with the decision made? There are two main types of AFCS benefits: This only applies if you have not already action in the 1939 to 1945 war made a claim. If you are unhappy with the outcome • Lump Sum Payments • a merchant seaman, a member of the of your claim, you can appeal to an naval auxiliary service or a coast guard For injury or illness, AFCS provides a Are there any time restrictions? independent tribunal. tax-free lump sum payment for pain and and you were disabled because of an You have seven years to make a claim. injury you received suffering, the size of which reflects the or a disease suffered because of severity of the injury/illness. Lump sum There are some exceptions to this such conditions during a war or because payments range from £1,200 to £570,000 as late onset illnesses. You can claim for a you were a prisoner of war or: • Guaranteed Income Payments (GIPs) late onset illness at any time after the event to which it relates, as long as you do so • a member of Polish Forces under For those with the most serious injuries within three years of seeking medical advice. British command who served in and illnesses, AFCS also provides an For further information visit the websites. the 1939 to 1945 war, or in the income stream known as the Guaranteed Polish Resettlement Forces and Income Payment (GIP). This is a tax free, you were injured or disabled index-linked monthly payment, which is through this service. paid after discharge, for life. A number of factors are taken into consideration when calculating the GIP; including lifelong loss For More Information of earning in terms of both salary or War Pension, AFCS and General Veterans Enquiries pension, as well as lost future promotions Veterans UK as a result of the injury. Tomlinson House, Norcross, Thornton-Cleveleys. FY5 3WP Tel: 0808 1914 2 18 Email: [email protected]

30 Service Leavers Guide | Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits Service Leavers Guide | Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits 31 Other Sources of Help State and Service Charities What happens if I do not agree completed by the child or on their behalf.

with the decision made? If death occurs in retirement, a claim form must First, you can apply for reconsideration. be submitted. The claim form should be signed This involves another Veterans UK officer and dated by the claimant, or by someone looking at your original claim again. If you authorised to do so on their behalf. Claims for are unhappy with the result, you can appeal consideration under AFCS must be made within to an independent tribunal. 3 years of death. Claims for consideration under WPS have no time limits. What happens if I die as a result of Service? Dependant’s Fund In the event of death, benefits may be payable to your dependants. Where death is as a result & Dependant’s of service before 6 April 2005, benefits would (Income) Trust be payable under the War Pension Scheme (WPS). Benefits may be a War Widows/ers The Dependant’s Fund and Dependant’s pension and Child Payments. Where death is as (Income) Trust provide immediate one-time a result of service on or after 6 April 2005 they payments to the dependants of deceased would be payable under Armed Forces Service personnel. The aim is to provide for Compensation Scheme (AFCS). This may be an their immediate needs without having to income stream known as a Survivors make a claim. The payments are normally Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP), Child paid within a few days to anywhere in Payments and a Bereavement Grant of up the world. to £37,500. Membership of the various schemes stops If death occurs in service, Veterans UK will when you leave Service. However, under automatically consider any survivors benefits certain circumstances you can apply to your dependants may be entitled to without rejoin. The rules are complex and liable the need to submit a claim form. Your family to change. will be fully supported by a Casualty Visiting Officer and the Veterans UK Welfare Service Full details are available from the who will help them complete a form to gather addresses below. relevant information. If the claim is for a child dependant only, a claim form must be

Royal Navy Royal Air Force Tel: 023 926 25238 Tel: 01993 896 608 Military: 93832 5238 Military: 95461 6608 Web: www.rnrmc.org.uk Web: www.raf.mod.uk/community

Army Tel: 01980 615 736 Military: 94344 5736 Email: [email protected] Web: www.army.mod.uk/welfare-support

32 Service Leavers Guide | Pay, Pensions and Other Benefits Other Sources of Help – State and Service Charities

Most Service leavers have a successful Contact will be made with all UK based have helped you find a job, or move into transition to civilian life and do not need Veterans approximately 12 months after further training or education. However, additional support. However, some do leaving Service. A letter will be sent by post Cobseo, The Confederation of Service if you did not qualify for the full resettlement experience difficulties, just like other or email containing sign-posting information Charities comprises 190 plus, member package or have been unsuccessful in job members of society. This might happen to help Veterans with any post service organisations ranging from the larger finding you can get help and advice from shortly after leaving the Services or many problems they may be experiencing. These charities such as The Royal British Legion, the following: years later. In these cases, support is include issues relating to housing, health, SSAFA, Help for Heroes and the main Service Jobcentre Plus. available, both from the Government employment etc. As well as Veterans UK and Benevolent Funds, medium sized charities and local authorities and from charities. NHS helpline numbers, the letter will also including Blind Veterans UK, BLESMA, Your local Jobcentre Plus will be able In addition to the many support systems for contain; Royal British Legion and other Combat Stress, Forces Pension Society and to give you advice on job hunting and advice all members of society, there are a number ex-service organisation contact information, the Officers’ Association. It also includes on benefits. There are Jobcentre Plus officers of organisations that provide support web-site addresses and a dedicated VIS smaller charities such as Aden Veterans throughout the country, but the national call specifically for the ex-Service community. e-mail address giving Veterans different Association, Veterans Aid and Regimental number is: 0845 6060 234 options to locate help. Associations such as the AGC Association (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). Armed Forces Covenant and Yeomanry Benevolent Trust. Each Jobcentre Plus district has an Armed The Armed Forces Covenant states that Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) Forces Champion. Their role is to make sure members of the Armed Forces Community, VWS gives support to Veterans, those who This Confederation represents the entire that Jobcentre Plus offices in their district are including service leavers and veterans and are eligible to claim to the Veterans UK Armed Forces Community, some 4 million providing support to the Armed Forces their families should face no disadvantage pension and compensation schemes and people and their dependants. It focuses the community; that includes Service leavers and compared to other citizens in the provision their dependants. The VWS is the MODs Charity network to work together to offer their families. The Armed Forces champions of public and commercial services. Single Central Co-ordinating Welfare the best support to all members of the do not routinely meet Service leavers or The Covenant brings central Government, Provider. The VWS can provide advice across Armed Forces Community. Charities who families, but if other Jobcentre Plus staff are local authorities, the NHS, charities and a range of issues to former Service personnel. offer a similar service work together and are unable to help, you can ask them to speak to businesses together to help support Service led by one of the charities who will their district Armed Forces Champion for Leavers and Veterans in their transition to direct the individual to the appropriate advice on how to assist you. civilian life. To find out more about organisation for the required support. Covenant and what it means to you, visit: The two main issues when you leave the www.mod.uk/covenant Service Charities Service are that you have somewhere to Service charities are able to help Service live and, unless retiring fully, some form leavers with finding a job. The two key Veterans Information For further information call the of training, education or employment in organisations are the Regular Forces Service (VIS) Veterans UK Helpline: 0808 1914 2 18 order to support yourself and your family. Employment Association (RFEA – for Therefore please see below the lead Veterans, who initially require no assistance all ranks) and the Officers’ Association organisations that should be your first adjusting back into civilian life, do (OA – for commissioned officers), both For further information about Veterans point of contact for your particular need. sometimes go on to experience difficulties. Scotland: www.veteransscotland.co.uk of which are prepared to support former Dr Andrew Murrison MP’s ‘Fighting Fit’ report Service personnel throughout their lives. recommended that all veterans should be Education, Resettlement Between them, they offer a national network contacted 12 months after leaving Service And Job Finding of advisers who can provide a range of help. to ensure that health monitoring of Service The resettlement package you will have personnel continues after the end of received on discharge will hopefully their Service.

RFEA The Officers Association Tel: 0845 873 7165 Tel: 020 7808 4160 Tel: 0121 236 0058 Tel: (Benevolence) 0845 873 7153 Web: www.rfea.org.uk Web: www.officersassociation.org.uk

34 Service Leavers Guide | Other Sources of Help – State and Service Charities Service Leavers Guide | Other Sources of Help – State and Service Charities 35 Service Charities

The Service charity sector provides a Financial Help strong national network of welfare workers. Although several charities provide In addition to organisations like SSAFA and welfare staff, the largest networks belong RBL, each Service has a ‘Benevolent Fund’, to SSAFA, The Royal British Legion and offering financial assistance to eligible Poppyscotland. Any of these major The Royal British Legion provides welfare, beneficiaries (usually those who are serving organisations will be able to help or comradeship and representation for the or have served in the Service or their direct you to another appropriate source Armed Forces community. You can contact families). Details vary, but the key Service of help, either among state providers or them locally or through their national Funds are: other charities. Legionline.

More details are on Pages 42 and 43. Royal Navy

Tel: 0808 802 8080 Web: www.britishlegion.org.uk

Forcesline The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity FREEPOST, National Office PO Box 1312, Building 29, Pwesey. HMS EXCELLENT, ABF The ’ Charity SN9 6NN Poppyscotland is the leading charity Whale Island, Mountbarrow House, supporting ex-Servicemen and women and PORTSMOUTH, 6-20 Elizabeth Street, SSAFA also operate the confidential Forces their families in Scotland. Although the Hampshire. PO2 8ER LONDON. SW1W 9RB Line. Members of the Armed Forces charity operates within the Royal British Tel: 023 9254 8128 Tel: 020 7901 8900 community can call this number to discuss Email: [email protected] Legion group of charities; members of the Email: [email protected] issues of concern in confidence. This number, Web: www.rnrmc.org.uk Armed Forces Community living in Scotland Web: www.soldierscharity.org which operates during office hours is: should contact Poppyscotland directly. 0800 731 4880 or 01980 630 854 More details on page 44. SSAFA provides financial, practical and emotional assistance to anyone that is Tel: 0131 550 1557 currently serving or has ever served in the Web: www.poppyscotland.org.uk Royal Air Force Army, Navy or RAF, and their families. You can contact them locally or through their national team.

More details are on Pages 40 and 41. RAF Benevolent Fund RAF Benevolent Fund, Tel: 0207 403 8783 67 Portland Place, Web: www.ssafa.org.uk London. W1B 1AR

Tel: 0800 169 2942 Web: www.rafbf.org

36 Service Leavers Guide | Other Sources of Help – State and Service Charities Service Leavers Guide | Other Sources of Help – State and Service Charities 37 Health Issues Travel Costs Big White Wall Other findings included: Part of your transition process involves The Ministry of Defence is able to assist with Big White Wall www.bigwhitewall.com is an • Two thirds of BWW members said they registering with a civilian General Practitioner travel costs for those attending the VRMHP online early intervention service for people used the site mostly to relieve stress (GP). This is an important part of returning to from within the UK but veterans should in psychological distress. It is provided in and loneliness civilian life and you should make sure that the always confirm travel arrangements with partnership with the Tavistock and Portman • Half said they used the site to relieve GP knows that you have served in the the VRMHP prior to making their journey. NHS Foundation Trust. Big White Wall (BWW) anxiety and a third cited depression Armed Forces. combines social networking principles with as their main reason for using BWW Further help is available through the NHS for a choice of clinically informed interventions • One quarter of users had experienced If you have concerns over your health, former Service personnel with mental health to improve mental wellbeing. It can be suicidal feelings and one fifth were including any that you think are linked to problems. Details vary between England, accessed 24/7 and has staff (Wall Guides) self-harming – BWW helped them your service in the Armed Forces, you should Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but who ensure the full engagement, safety deal with their feelings. contact your GP and discuss this with him or your GP will be able to find details of these and anonymity of all members. BWW is a her, making sure that you say you are an additional services. community of people who are experiencing The majority of BWW users were able to Armed Forces veteran. Remember that, common mental health problems who are self-manage their mental wellbeing without under the Armed Forces Covenant, you are Other useful contact details: supported to self-manage their own mental recourse to further help. Others found BWW entitled to priority treatment in the NHS for health. According to members, one of the NHS Direct a helpful step to, or complementary with, conditions linked to your , Web: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk most important elements of the service is other medical or therapeutic intervention. subject to the clinical needs of others. the ability to talk freely, whilst remaining A copy of the independent review is For Service Leavers in Scotland completely anonymous. available on request. Your GP is your route to receiving healthcare, Tel: 08454 242424 Web: www.nhs24.co.uk both for physical and mental health issues. Findings from an independent review of For more information, look at the website BWW found that: or call: + 44 (0)20 70601677 If you are experiencing mental health issues For Service leavers in Wales that you believe are related to your service in Tel: 0845 46 47 • 75% of members talked about the Armed Forces, you can ask your GP to Web: www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk an issue for the first time on BWW. refer you to the Veterans and Reserves For Service Leavers in • 80% self-managed their Mental Health Programme (VRMHP). This is Northern Ireland psychological distress. located at Chilwell, near Nottingham and is Web: www.nidirect.gov.uk • 95% reported one or more open to veterans who have served on improvements in wellbeing. operations since 1982. The VRMHP staff, who understand military life, will carry out an assessment of any mental health problems and make recommendations for further treatment.

Doctors are encouraged to refer any patients who are concerned that their mental health may have suffered as a result of their military service and who fulfil the criteria for being seen. We recommend visiting your GP first to get a referral but self-referrals are accepted: Veterans and Reserves Mental Combat Stress, Health Programme (VRMHP) Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, DCMH Chilwell Leatherhead, Surrey. KT22 0BX In addition to their routine work to help former Chetwynd Barracks, Tel: 01372 587 000 Service personnel with mental health problems, Chilwell, Nottingham. NG9 5HA Email: [email protected] Combat Stress operates a 24 hour helpline. Tel: 0800 0326258 Web: www.combatstress.org.uk Tel: 0800 138 1619 Email: dphc(e)[email protected]

38 Service Leavers Guide | Other Sources of Help – State and Service Charities Service Leavers Guide | Other Sources of Help – State and Service Charities 39 Help Beyond the Frontline Our Specialist Services Young and old alike, anyone who has We always work hard to meet the specific ever served in our Forces is eligible for needs of the Forces family. Our specialist SSAFA’s support. services include:

If you are serving Housing Our houses range from homes from home Our community volunteers provde practical for families of the wounded, through to our support to serving memebers of the Forces care home for veterans. and their families on bases at home and overseas. From a friendly chat to assistance Support Groups during operational deployment, we are here Our groups provide support for families to help. coming to terms with loss or injury.

If you used to serve Adoption Our registered Adoption Agency is here Our teams of trained volunteers provide to help serving families. practical and emotional support to veterans and their families, whether they served as Additional Needs and Disability a Regular or Reserve. We have a network of We provide advice and practical help for our local branches, which means that help and families, including our children’ sadventure advice is always close at hand. short breaks.

For more information about SSAFA and how Forcesline we can help you and your familiy, please Our specially trained staff offer a listening contact us: ear so you can talk to us about whatever is concerning you. SSAFA Queen Elizabeth House 4 St Dunstan’s Hill, London. EC3R 8AD Tel: 0845 130 0945 Email: [email protected] Web: ssafa.org.uk

Service Leavers Guide | Other Sources of Help – State and Service Charities 41 You can find out more by visiting our online advice Need a break? HOW TO centre www.britishlegion.org.ukwww.britishlegion.org.uk, calling 0808 802 8080, or popping into one of the Legion FIND US information centres that are opening across the country. Seaside Breaks and Family Holidays Our range of short breaks are there to suit all ages and family situations. Whether it’s a week’s peaceful rest in one of our four Break The Royal British Legion Centres for an older veteran, an Adventure Break for a young family member, or a seaside holiday for Service families to enjoy together, the Legion can make it happen. Here to help I’d definitely recommend Poppy Breaks to other The Legion provides lifelong information, advice and support for the “Armed Forces families as they really are great for the Armed Forces community. Our beneficiaries share a background from mums and children. Hopefully we can arrange another the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force – either as serving break and John can come with us. personnel, Reservists, veterans or close family members. ” Though the Legion is a national organisation, we work in local Looking for a career after Service? communities across the UK, delivering advice and support where it is needed most. Civvy Street Our Civvy Street website has hundreds of job vacancies, as well as Need advice? access to free online courses to help you improve your job prospects or get a more fulfilling job. All you need to do is sign up for free membership at www.civvystreet.org Financial Guidance When there was no funding elsewhere I contacted Civvy If you’re having trouble paying the bills, or you think you could be “St and was given support straight away. I hope that one entitled to benefits that you’re not yet receiving, our team can help. day I can give back to such an excellent charity. Thank you Our advisers know how complex life in the Forces can be and they’ve so much for your help. got the specialist knowledge to help you get back on your feet, and www.moneyforce.org.uk is full of financial tips designed for SORTED! ” Service people. The Legion is working with 6 other charities to bring expert Without the help we received from The Royal British employment support to the Armed Forces community at the click of “Legion we would not be living in our home now. We’re a button. The SORTED! website provides easy access to information extremely grateful for the amazing support we received. about all aspects of finding a job, including advice on CV writing and interview techniques for the whole Forces community, including War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation ” partners and dependants. To find out more visitwww.sorted.org.uk Scheme Advice Through the help of SORTED! charities…I found steady employment, developed my confidence and was able to If you’ve suffered an injury or illness due to Service the Legion can “ help with first claims and appeals to both the War Pensions Scheme showcase the range of transferable military skills I had to and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Our Independent secure full time employment as a maintenance engineer. Inquest Advice service can also help if a family member has died ” in Service. Independent Living The Legion really helped with my compensation “claim and made the process simple. It’s nice to know professionals are there to help and guide. Handy Van Service We have a dedicated and trusted team trained to carry out small Immediate Needs Grants Scheme ” home repairs such as fitting smoke alarms or fixing grab rails to help you get around in your home safely. If you’re going through a crisis and need help to meet sudden, unexpected expenses, the Legion may be able to help you. We The Legion’s support has given me an immeasurable can’t provide cash, but we can help with essentials such as food or “amount of comfort. One phone call and the Poppy Calls clothing in times of need. team have come in and fixed things around the house. I could not afford to replace my fridge freezer as it was ” “old and beyond repair. You kindly financed a new one, I was delighted!” Veterans UK

Poppyscotland is probably best known for those recovering from illness, injury or a life running the iconic Scottish Poppy Appeal, changing event, as well as giving but works all year round providing and disadvantaged families the opportunity to funding advice, information, training and have a break they otherwise may not have. specialist support to current and former members of the Armed Forces and For more information contact the their families. Poppyscotland welfare team:

Tel: 0131 550 1557 Tailored Funding Email: [email protected] Poppyscotland offers a number of funding Web: www.poppyscotland.org.uk services that can be adapted to your specific needs and circumstances; from home repairs and mobility aids to household items and clothing. Poppyscotland know that even the small things can make a huge difference.

Advice Trying to solve your own troubles, or ignoring the warning signs until a problem becomes a crisis, is remarkably common; but it doesn’t have to be. Poppyscotland’s Advice Services will point you in the right direction, whether it’s for financial solutions, employment help, housing hints or more.

Employment VETERANS WELFARE SERVICE As well as providing Employment support grants to help you re-train or upskill; The Veterans Welfare Service can help anyone who has served in Poppyscotland offers employability the UK’s Armed Forces. Support is provided on issues from benefits initiatives to provide the support and tools needed to help veterans facing additional to housing, by either telephone contact or a home visit by one of barriers such as poor mental health, or physical disabilities, to sustain and maintain our Welfare Managers. employment. Respite Contact the Veterans Welfare Service on the Veterans UK Helpline: A breaks service is available to serving and ex-Service personnel and their families, offering much needed recuperation time for 0808 1914 2 18

44 Service Leavers Guide | Other Sources of Help – State and Service Charities email: [email protected] Leaversk@m Guideod . u| Otherk o rSourcesvisi oft :Help www.veterans-uk.infow w– Statew .andve Servicetera Charitiesns-uk45.info Reserve Forces and Cadets Reserve Liability

At the end of your service in the Regular a 3 year recall liability or until age 55 years, Forces you will normally have a compulsory whichever is the sooner. Army other ranks, reserve liability. The length of your liability including those serving on the Versatile and the circumstances when you may be Engagement (VEng) who do not complete their brought back into service depend upon your engagements in full and who complete less Service, rank, age, the type of commission or than 15 years’ service enter the Army Reserve engagement which you entered and for 6 years or until completion of whether you are subject to the Reserve engagement, whichever is the sooner. Forces Act (RFA) 1980 or the 1996 Act. An who completes 16 years’ service Ratings/Marines/Army Other or less will be transferred to the RAF Reserve of Airmen for a period of 6 years. This is Ranks and Airmen who followed by a recall liability of 12 years or enlisted before 1 April 1997 until age 55, whichever is the sooner. Army If you were a member of the Regular Forces other ranks who complete their VEng and before 1 April 1997 and did not re-enlist or airmen who leave the RAF with more than 15 extend your service on or after 1 April 1997, years’ service have a recall liability for 18 years you will be subject to legislation contained in or until age 55 whichever is the sooner. With RFA 80. Essentially, ratings and marines with the exception of those in the Army VEng, less than 22 years’ service have a 3 year personnel who leave the Regular Forces on liability in the Royal Fleet Reserve while Army completion of 22 years’ service have a recall other ranks and airmen have a maximum 6 liability until age 55 or for 18 years from year liability in the Army Reserve and Royal the date of leaving service, whichever is Air Force Reserve respectively. On the sooner. completion of up to 6 years’ service in the Army Reserve, former soldiers are discharged Officers from the Army Reserve and become Irrespective of the date of commissioning, members of the Army’s Long Term Reserve officers serving on Short Service Commissions with a liability to recall until age 45. are transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve (Emergency List) or the Army Reserve Personnel who complete 22 years’ service in (Regular Army Reserve of Officers) or the the RN or RM have a liability to recall until Royal Air Force Reserve. They will normally age 55, while those who leave the Army or have a call-out liability for 4 years at which RAF after 22 years’ service have a recall point they will be discharged without any liability until age 60. further liability.

Ratings/Marines/Army Other Officers holding permanent commissions Ranks and Airmen who enlisted in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines are from 1 April 1997 transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve on leaving the Royal Navy or Royal Marines and If you enlisted, re-enlisted or extended your will have a call-out liability until age 60 years. service in the Regular Forces on or after 1 April 1997, you will be subject to the Army officers who hold regular commissions legislation contained in the RFA 96. are transferred to the Army Reserve (Regular Generally, ratings and marines who do not Army Reserve of Officers) until such time as complete 22 years’ service enter the Royal they reach the age point appropriate to their Fleet Reserve for a 3 year period followed by rank and cap-badge.

46 Service Leavers Guide | Reserve Forces and Cadets 47 On leaving the RAF, officers serving on Failure to Respond permanent commissions in the RAF in the rank of Group or below and Failure to respond to a call-out or recall commissioned before 1 April 1997 have a notice without leave lawfully granted or recall liability until their 60th years. 1* and reasonable excuse is an offence under the 2* RAF officers have a recall liability until age Reserve Forces Act 1996 which may be dealt 65 and 3* and 4* have a liability until 67. with by the civil courts or by court-martial. RAF officers commissioned on or after As a Regular there are many and varied 1 April 1997 and who hold permanent opportunities to serve full-time, such as on commissions have a liability to recall until mobilised Service, Full Time Reserve Service age 55 years or for 18 years from the time or Military Provost Guard Service. You may of leaving the RAF, whichever is the sooner. also wish to consider joining the Volunteer Reserves (Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines Training Liability Reserve, the Army Reserve or the You can be required to train for up to 16 days Royal Auxiliary Air Force) where other in aggregate in any one year or for such opportunities exist including serving on other periods as may be prescribed, none Additional Duties Commitments. More of which shall exceed 36 hours at any one information on Reserve assignments is time without your consent. You may also available from Service websites or from volunteer to train or take part in exercises. your appropriate SPC.

Duty to inform your Service Personnel Centre

You have a legal duty to inform your Service Personnel Centre (SPC) of any circumstances which may affect your call-out or recall. These would include any change of name or address, if you believe you have become medically unfit for service in the Armed Forces, or you plan to be abroad for a period of over 3 months.

Navy Command Air Command NPT (Reserves) RFR, MP 1-2, RAF High Wycombe, Room 106, West Battery, Bucks. HP14 4UE PP300, Whale Island, Tel: 01494 496802 Portsmouth. PO2 8DX Email: Air-COSPers-MannChgofEngmtMbx Tel: 02392 628770 @mod.uk Email: [email protected] Web: www.raf.mod.uk Web: www.royalnavy.mod.uk

Army Personnel Centre Regular Army Reserves, MP588, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow. G2 8YN Tel: 0141 224 5277 / 8003 / 2063 Email: [email protected] Web: www.army.mod.uk

48 Service Leavers Guide | Reserve Forces and Cadets • 100s of free online discounts • Optional high street discount card • More discounts added daily • Well known high street brands • Free iPhone and Android apps now available

Discounts for Armed Forces Defence Discount Service Tel: 01509 233445 and Veterans Web: defencediscountservice.co.uk Defence Discount Service is the only official /defencediscountservice MOD discount service for the Armed Forces and Veterans. Just because you have left the /discounts_mod Forces does not mean you cannot take advantage...you can.

The Defence Discount Service is free to join via www.defencediscountservice.co.uk or via its iPhone and Android apps. It provides discounts online and on the high street and has hundreds of offers to help you save.

The Defence Privilege Card is a discount card that is recognised in stores across the UK and allows Veterans to have a card that identifies them as part of the Armed Forces Community. You can apply for the card via the website or the apps and it costs just £4.99 for a 5 year membership.

50 Service Leavers Guide | Reserve Forces and Cadets Royal Navy Reserves INTERESTED? WE MAY HAVE A PLACE FOR YOU! All ranks irrespective of background • Logistics junior rates/other ranks LEAVING THE FULL-TIME • Operations Branch - especially Mine Warfare, Communications, ARMED FORCES? Electronic Warfare and Above Water Warfare junior rates/other ranks • Other ranks prepared to learn new skills, possibly in an initial lower rate

Officers • Operations Officers up to the age 45 ( // Major and below) • Officers up to age 45 with experience of media operations, operational logistics or intelligence, or with advanced foreign language skills • Junior RN officers qualified as Bridge Watchkeepers (RN specific) • Junior officers prepared to learn new skills, possibly in an initial lower rank

Contacts For the (RMR): CONSIDERED THE RNR? For the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR): Royal Marines Reserve Career Manager Transfer Pipeline Administrator Room 115, MP1-1, West Battery The RNR comprises civilian volunteers and ex-Service personnel who train Room 142, MP 1-2, West Battery in their spare time to enable the Navy to meet its operational commitment. Whale Island, Portsmouth, Whale Island, Portsmouth, Hants. PO2 8DX There are 13 units across the UK and NI, some of which have detached units Hants. PO2 8DX in other major towns. T: 93832 5534 (02392 625534) T: 93832 8677 (02392 628677) E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Commitment For the RNR Air Branch: As a member of the RNR you will normally join List 3 where you must complete: Deputy Staff Officer 12 days of Operational Capability Training (OCT) and 12 days of Support CSAV Reserves Activity (SA) training. This could include the opportunity to work for the Cormorant House, Yeovilton Naval Regional Commander (NRC). Yeovil, Somerset. BA22 8HL T: 93510 5883 (01935 455883) SA and NRC activity takes place either on evenings (equal to ¼ day of duty) 1 HMS CALLIOPE, Gateshead 8 HMS KING ALFRED, Portsmouth E: [email protected] or at weekends at the parent unit, another regional unit, or at an T: 0191 477 2536 T: 0239 254 7453 E: [email protected] E: : [email protected] RN establishment. 2 HMS CAMBRIA, Cardiff 9 HMS PRESIDENT, London Rewards The venue for the annual 12 days continuous OCT might be on board a ship, T: 0141 445 6020 T: 020 7480 7219 manning a shore headquarters (UK or overseas), or at a military establishment, E: [email protected] E: [email protected] As a member of the RNR you can maintain your military skills and get paid for doing it. usually in the UK. 3 HMS HIBERNIA, Lisburn 10 HMS SCOTIA, Edinburgh You receive pay and other expenses for the time you put into the RNR. In addition, an T: 0289 226 6276 T: 0138 342 5559/5794 annual tax-free bounty is payable to those who satisfactorily complete the annual E: [email protected] E: [email protected] “I left the RN in December 05 as a Lieutenant Logistics Officer (SM). training commitment. Having spent 23 years in the Service the RN was in my blood and I still 4 HMS DALRIADA, Glasgow 11 HMS SHERWOOD, Nottingham wanted to be able to be part of that but with a reduced commitment. T: 0147 573 2251 T: 0: 0115 929 7363 Ext 5230 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

5 HMS EAGLET, Liverpool 12 HMS VIVID, Plymouth T: 0151 707 3311 Tel: 0175 255 2676 There is also the added financial E: [email protected] E: [email protected] incentive that can make up for a reduction in earnings after leaving 6 HMS FLYING FOX, Bristol 13 HMS WILDFIRE, Northwood the Service. I would and do, highly T: 0117 966 8667 Ext 2128 T: 0192 3957 770 recommend the reserves to any ex E: [email protected] E: [email protected] service personnel.” 7 HMS FORWARD, Birmingham More information is T: 0121 703 6360 available on our website - E: [email protected] royalnavy.mod.uk/rnr Tempted and Want to Find Out More? Call 0345 600 3222 and we can point you to your 53 appropriate unit, or check out the website: royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Maritime-Reserves Service Leavers Guide | Reserve Forces and Cadets 55 royalnavy.mod.uk/rmr Ex-REgulaR? Join thE aRmy REsERvE and you could EaRn a £10,000 incEntivE If you’re missing the Army lifestyle, don’t miss out on the chance to earn £10,000. Join the Army Reserve and, provided you meet the full Reservist commitment, you could be eligible for a financial incentive of £10,000 over four payments*. Alternatively, you could forego the financial incentive and undertake a reduced commitment. BEnEFits • You’re paid to train and can earn an annual tax-free bounty • Continue to serve alongside like-minded individuals • Participate in sports and adventurous training • Entitled to paid leave • You’ll be paid travel expenses

To find out more visit army.mod.uk/rejoinerswww.army.mod.uk/rejoiners

*Terms and conditions apply. RAF Reserve Squadron Locations

RAF Lossiemouth

RAF Leuchars Glasgow Edinburgh

RAF Leeming • Financial incentive worth up to £10,000 over 3 years* • Qualify for the top level Tax free annual training bounty* • Work with your colleagues and friends • Continue with your adventure training and sports • Retain your rank (subject to vacancies) Aldergrove Flying Station • No call-out liability for the rst 3 years* • Continue your life long learning with entitlement to Standard Learning Credits RAF Woodvale RAF Waddington • Opportunities in many trades nationwide • Reduced commitment* RAF Wittering • Many civilian companies will agree up to an extra 10 days leave for Reserve Service RAF Marham To discuss the opportunities available to you call: RAF Cosford RAF Honington RAF Wyton 0845 606 9069 0333 202 1099 www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment RAF Brize Norton Chicksands www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment RAF Henlow www.facebook.com/rafrecruitment/rafrecruitment www.twitter.com/raf_recruitment@RAF_Recruitment *Conditions apply, further information available from the above number Cardi RAF Halton RAF Northolt

RAF St Mawgan RAF Benson

To nd out more visit: www.raf.mod.uk/recruitmentwww.raf.mod.uk/recruitment 131,000 cadets 29,000 adult volunteers 3,000+ locations all over the UK

61 www.combinedcadetforce.org.uk www.armycadets.com www.sea-cadets.org www.aircadets.org © Crown Copyright, images from www.defenceimages.mod.uk. www.sabre.mod.uk Other images © English Churches Housing Group; Housing Matters magazine; Photogen; Poppyscotland; Royal British Legion; SaBRE; Soldiers, , Airmen and Families Association; Xpax. www.sabre.mod.uk/facebook www.sabre.mod.uk/linkedin www.sabre.mod.uk/twitter Produced by Williams Lea Ltd Published by the Ministry of Defence UK This document is also available at GOV.UK 64 Ministry of Defence 12/2014