Veterans Gateway and Defence Transition Service

Who is a "veteran" in the UK?

Veterans are defined as anyone who has served for at least one day in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations. Many former Armed Forces personnel in the UK do not define themselves as “veterans”.

The term “veteran” is used to represent all former Armed Forces personnel.

Veterans' Gateway

The Veterans’ Gateway is the first point of contact for veterans seeking support. A veteran is anyone who has served for at least one day in HM Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations. 

 

Defence Transition Service  

Defence Transition Services (DTS) is run by the  MOD’s Veterans UK. It exists to provide information and support for those service leavers and their families who are most likely to face challenges as they leave the armed forces and adjust to civilian life. 

DTS  deliver a full range of transition support for you, as a service leaver or family member, working directly with you to provide tailored information and guidance.  DTS will facilitate access to the support you need, whether that be from other government departments, local authorities, the NHS or trusted charities. 

DTS  can help with issues and provide support and guidance on subjects such as: 

  • health 
  • accommodation 
  • relocation 
  • drugs and alcohol misuse 
  • finance and debt 
  • benefits 
  • children, family and relationships 
  • training and education 
  • employment 
  • supporting agencies

 

Further information on how to access these services can be found at Help for service leavers from defence Transition Service.